Marcelo, so which are you using now.. the VP30 or the VP50?

Marcelo, so which are you using now.. the VP30 or the VP50?
VP50 - has the same bug as the old VP30 .......

VP50 - has the same bug as the old VP30 .......

Someone please correct me but I believe that this bug is also present in the HD and HD+ units. If it is it doesnt make me feel any better about it ever getting fixed. Days keep ticking by on the audio dropout bug and it may be that the remote bug is years old...

I've tried searching but haven't found any luck. I just got the hd-a1 and am having problems running it's hdmi through the vp30. When directly connected to my projector, Optoma H79, I get a picture. If I connect the hdmi to the VP30 I get no picture. The VP30 is connected to the H79 with an hdmi cable with a hdmi->dvi adapter on the end. I am downloading the latest hd-a1 firmwar now to test again tomorrow night. Has anyone else had any problems with this?

I had the exact same setup and it worked fine. A few times at first I had to pull the connectors and reconnect them though.
Warren.

After further evaluation on this problem it appears that the HDCP is causing the problem. It seems that the curtain is closing, indicating a bad HDCP handshake. I have HDCP turned on for both the HDMI input and the output. Anyone have any insight into this problem?

I have the VRS Precision Deinterlacing Card and want to install it. I went through the pdf instructions on the included disk, but there doesn't seem to be a separate disk for the software. I have already updated to v1.10. Do I need a special software disk or is v1.10 enough?

Thanks

I have the VRS Precision Deinterlacing Card and want to install it. I went through the pdf instructions on the included disk, but there doesn't seem to be a separate disk for the software. I have already updated to v1.10. Do I need a special software disk or is v1.10 enough?

Thanks

There is no reason for you to update the software, all you need to do is physically install the Precision Deinterlacing Card.

I could never get the hex codes to work for my VP30 (URC MX3000 remote). I gave up. SJ

DVDO just confirmed there's something wrong with these codes, and they're working on it.

I've tried searching but haven't found any luck. I just got the hd-a1 and am having problems running it's hdmi through the vp30. When directly connected to my projector, Optoma H79, I get a picture. If I connect the hdmi to the VP30 I get no picture. The VP30 is connected to the H79 with an hdmi cable with a hdmi->dvi adapter on the end. I am downloading the latest hd-a1 firmwar now to test again tomorrow night. Has anyone else had any problems with this?

I have the exact same set up (H79, VP30 and A1) and can confirm this works.
Sometimes I get an HDMI error on the A1 display if the A1 is powered on before
the VP30. Make sure you hit the V.output button on the A1 to select the HDMI
interface.

I've actually found out what my problem is. It is actually a bad HDMI cable that for some reason is no longer passing the HDCP. If anyone knows what could cause that and if it can be fixed i'd appreciate it. Since the cable is run through the ceiling i'm not really looking forward to the prospect of replacing it.

Hard to imagine the cable going bad. Might be bad contacts on the connectors. The cable is passive and unless there is a break in the cable it sould not deteriorate over time (unless being eaten by vermin, not kidding). How did you determine that it is no longer pass the HDCP information?

It likely the connectors which due to horrid design have no strain relief. If a large loop is dangling where it's connected to something attempt to give the connector some strain relief by proping it up or something.

I recently purchased the VP30 and should be arriving sometime next week. I hope someone could help me with understanding what resolution I should set the VP 30 to. I have a 1080P TV that only excepts up to and 1080i resolution through HDMI and componet. Would i use a resolution of 720P or 1080i? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Technically the best thing is to match the output of the VP to the native rate of the display. I am somewhat surprised that a display advertised as 1080p will only accept up to 1080i since that begs the question as to what is the displays native rate, and why waste all those pixels or introduce an upscaling requirement. IS there another input connection that will accept 1080p? If the display truly has 1920x1080 pixels then its native rate is that. If it has 1280x720 pixels then that is its native rate. When the VP is putting out the displays native rate, for each pixel it puts out there is a 1 to 1 match to a pixel on the screen so the display will do no scaling. After all you did buy the VP30 to do the scaling right?

However the bottom line is always what looks best, so in the absence of good technical information - what looks best to you is what you should use.

I am somewhat surprised that a display advertised as 1080p will only accept up to 1080i

Barry

Home Theater Magazine tested almost all 1080p TVs a couple of months back. I think at least 9 out of 10 WOULD NOT Accept a 1080p input.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/

That is wild. I wonder what the problem is or why that is the case. Perhaps they just wanted something else to charge for later.

That is wild. I wonder what the problem is or why that is the case. Perhaps they just wanted something else to charge for later.

You won't see me buying any 1080p Display that only accepts 1080i input. That is BROKEN in my book! Just SMOKE and MIRRORS Marketing.

You won't see me buying any 1080p Display that only accepts 1080i input. That is BROKEN in my book! Just SMOKE and MIRRORS Marketing.
It is last years model, almost all of them were like this(I believe HP was the only one that excepted a 1080P source). They upscale all resolutions up to 1080i to 1080P.

Only marginally on or off topic here, but that's bizarre - I have a cheap 720p lcd panel, but I can feed it 1080p via HDMI from the VP50, and it will accept and display it without a hiccup. Doesn't look all that spectacular - after all, it is then downscaled to the panel's 720p, but still - the VP will send it and the panel will display it..

I recently purchased the VP30 and should be arriving sometime next week. I hope someone could help me with understanding what resolution I should set the VP 30 to. I have a 1080P TV that only excepts up to and 1080i resolution through HDMI and component. Would i use a resolution of 720P or 1080i? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have a 2005 Sony 60" SXRD that has the same limitation as you describe. I've tried setting the VP30 to output both 720p and 1080i to the SXRD and feel that the 1080i setting looks the best (to my eyes). I chose this route because it doesn't result in any reduction of resolution when using 1080i source material.

The "1080i converted to 1080p" vs. "1080p native" debate is discussed in multiple threads all over AVS. My .02 is that as long as your TV has a good deinterlacer, and you don't use your TV for video games (or as a PC monitor), accepting a 1080p input doesn't make a huge difference.

Still can't get the discrete IAR hex codes for my VP30 to work.
I copied them from the DVDO website, set zoom/pan differently for 4 presets and saved them, but even with lengthened duration they don't work on my Pronto TSU7500
Turned the power off and on, nope.
The set presets ARE active as I found when pressing Input Aspect Ratio on the remote and working my way through the menu towards 1...4.
Could a hard reset or a return to the factory settings help?

Also, the replacement lens did not help any- using the original remote beyond 2.5m nothing goes...of course the Pronto is much better but it is still a strange thing!
My previous HD+ was much better in this respect!
Seems to me it's rather the transmitter diode than the receiver (afaik apart from -maybe- faulty circuitry inside the VP30 most ir receiver diodes are the same sensitivity wise.
Could try to replace the remote diode for a more powerful one, but mostly this makes little sense because the amplication transistor will still be biased for the smaller current.

Now it's confirmed by DVDO to be a bug, to be adressed in a the next firmware, I made a temporary macro on my Pronto remote.

I still feel the VP30-with-ABT102D has more movement nasties than my previous HD+
I'm always changing FILM, VIDEO etc. to rectify halting movements, jaggies, moire etc.
Stumbling movements and moire I find the most irritating.
Sometimes it seems the GAME settings are less bad...
What's against setting GAME1 for all sources?
Input is 576i (DVD, Set Top Box) output is VGA 852x480 to my Panny plasma (also 852x480).

Hey DVDO guys, can the VP30's serial port be used to output debug info? I wouldn't mind hooking up my PC to the VP30 to collect debug info while I'm watching a movie up to the point I experience an audio dropout. :)

So - since we're waiting for a firmware update (aren't we?), I'd like to state my wishes for future updates: Since VP50 gets PreP, could we lowly VP30 owners get the EDID "hack"/fix that 'forces' sources to output interlaced? And I'd also be happy if we at some point could be able to name, or otherwise more easily distinguish one Preset from another.

-And something I noticed recently; if you have several Aspect Ratio Presets, and two or more are for the same source (let's say you want to zoom and pan a few channels from your cable box because they have a weird aspect ratio some times, and you make a few Presets for this purpose), and you then want to go from say Preset number 6 back to Preset number 1, you have to go through the Presets, which are enabled one at a time as you go along. So you have to wait for for instance the zoom and pan of one Preset to take effect before you can jump to the next Preset. I wish I could jump more directly to any Preset without having to wait at each 'stop' because each Preset is enabled as you browse through them.

If that made any sense to anyone. Not a biggie that last one, just a very minor annoyance. Not sure how it could be fixed though.

Is this 1080P Passthrough ever going to work?

We were told it would be done many months ago. I think about 2 months ago it was supposed to be in Beta testing.

I seem to remember DVDO listed what was in the beta on their website, but didn't see this in there, but have not checked recently. Just getting fed up keep waiting for this, it's very important to me, and I still don't have any idea how they are planning to deal with the audio that goes with it.

Looks like we'll never get this one....

Noticed this today over in the VP50 forum regarding the audio issues. Hopefully this will trickle down to the VP30 soon.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8947234&&#post8947234

VP50 has an sw update!

Hopefully we get it for VP30 also and fast!!

bobloblaw,

lets wait on VP50 owners report first.

Thanks Ofer, I read your comments in the VP50 forum and I'm optimistic that this audio issue will be a thing of the past soon. I'm also hoping that the IR code issues can be resolved as well.

I would certainly hope that the VP30 also gets a SW update real soon to address these issues. After all, we are the users who have been suffering through them the longest.

I would certainly hope that the VP30 also gets a SW update real soon to address these issues. After all, we are the users who have been suffering through them the longest.
To be fair, most vp50 owners have suffered through them for the same amount of time as most were vp30 owners previously. The audio seems much better to me anyway, hope they migrate this fix to the 30 for you guys asap.

Does the VP30 pass multichannel PCM through the HDMI ports (i.e HDMI in -> HDMI out)??

I read that this issue was fixed with the latest VP50 firmware, but wasn't sure if this was still and issue on the VP30. My searches didn't find anything conclusive.

Thanks.

Since VP50 gets PreP, could we lowly VP30 owners get the EDID "hack"/fix that 'forces' sources to output interlaced?

Oh - I of course meant to say "us lovely VP30 owners".
Easy mistake to make. ;)

It is last years model, almost all of them were like this(I believe HP was the only one that excepted a 1080P source). They upscale all resolutions up to 1080i to 1080P.

Bingo!

I believe with few exceptions most tvs advertised as 1080p's last year did not accept a native 1080p input signal. Now the current brands are touting the new models as "True 1080p." You have to understand that this slogan is coming from the manufacturers from last year that sold 1080p sets that DID NOT accept 1080p natively, in my case Mitsubishi. I bought my set in March of 2006.

I'm going to be purchasing a Panny 9UK, in a week or so and was looking to also purchase a VP20 or 30 w/ the ABT102 card. This would give me switching and control over the display for color adjustments and resizing since the panel seems to be limited on these along with resizing 4:3 content on HD channels. (I think I'm understanding up to here but could be way off, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Also I've read that the best way to send the signal to any panel from a VP would be in the panel's native resolution. It looks like the 9UK will only accept its 1366x768 native resolution over the DVI connector and not the HDMI addon board. So would it be best for me to invest in a DVI to HDMI cable to run from the VP20/30 into the 9UK's DVI connector? This way I should be able to set the DVI to native on the panel and have the VP30 send 1366x768 across the HDMI to DVI cable. Should I just get the HDMI board for the panel and use a HDMI to HDMI cable? Or am I really confused and have no clue what I'm talking about?

I'm going to be purchasing a Panny 9UK, in a week or so and was looking to also purchase a VP20 or 30 w/ the ABT102 card. This would give me switching and control over the display for color adjustments and resizing since the panel seems to be limited on these along with resizing 4:3 content on HD channels. (I think I'm understanding up to here but could be way off, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Also I've read that the best way to send the signal to any panel from a VP would be in the panel's native resolution. It looks like the 9UK will only accept its 1366x768 native resolution over the DVI connector and not the HDMI addon board. So would it be best for me to invest in a DVI to HDMI cable to run from the VP20/30 into the 9UK's DVI connector? This way I should be able to set the DVI to native on the panel and have the VP30 send 1366x768 across the HDMI to DVI cable. Should I just get the HDMI board for the panel and use a HDMI to HDMI cable? Or am I really confused and have no clue what I'm talking about?

If what you're are saying is correct about how your display works (I have no idea)then by all means get an HDMI to DVI cable. 1:1 pixel mapping does make a difference and is well worth a $50 cable. In fact DVDO usually throws in a cable of your choice...

- Collin

There are inexpensive HDMI to DVI adapters if you already have a HDMI-HDMI cable Or if you have a DVI-DVI cable. I use a DVI-DVI cable since it is what I had before the VP came on the scene and a DVI-HDMI adapter at the VP end. RAM Electronics is one source

I'm going to be purchasing a Panny 9UK, in a week or so and was looking to also purchase a VP20 or 30 w/ the ABT102 card. This would give me switching and control over the display for color adjustments and resizing since the panel seems to be limited on these along with resizing 4:3 content on HD channels. (I think I'm understanding up to here but could be way off, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Also I've read that the best way to send the signal to any panel from a VP would be in the panel's native resolution. It looks like the 9UK will only accept its 1366x768 native resolution over the DVI connector and not the HDMI addon board. So would it be best for me to invest in a DVI to HDMI cable to run from the VP20/30 into the 9UK's DVI connector? This way I should be able to set the DVI to native on the panel and have the VP30 send 1366x768 across the HDMI to DVI cable. Should I just get the HDMI board for the panel and use a HDMI to HDMI cable? Or am I really confused and have no clue what I'm talking about?

Yes! you'll need the DVI board. Sure the 9UK is with DVI board? I thought both DVI and HDMI was optional.

Yes you are correct Gard I would have to buy either one for the 9UK.

Before I buy all this equipment (9UK, mount, VP30+102, 9UK addon board (DVI or HDMI), & Oppo 970) I am looking for input whether I should get the DVI board in the 9UK to use w/ the VP30 and a HDMI->DVI cable, or... should I get the HDMI board for the 9UK and simply use HDMI->HDMI from the VP30 into the panel. From what I've read, the 9UK will not allow native res if I go the HDMI->HDMI route from the VP30, and only the DVI board will support native res on the 9UK.

Looking for comments from anyone w/ good insight or currently using a VP30+9UK :)

Also does anyone forsee any issues using the HDMI->DVI cable if that is the better route?

I'd hate to flush $100+ on one of these boards only to find out I would have been better off with the other.

Yes you are correct Gard I would have to buy either one for the 9UK.

Before I buy all this equipment (9UK, mount, VP30+102, 9UK addon board (DVI or HDMI), & Oppo 970) I am looking for input whether I should get the DVI board in the 9UK to use w/ the VP30 and a HDMI->DVI cable, or... should I get the HDMI board for the 9UK and simply use HDMI->HDMI from the VP30 into the panel. From what I've read, the 9UK will not allow native res if I go the HDMI->HDMI route from the VP30, and only the DVI board will support native res on the 9UK.

Looking for comments from anyone w/ good insight or currently using a VP30+9UK :)

Also does anyone forsee any issues using the HDMI->DVI cable if that is the better route?

I'd hate to flush $100+ on one of these boards only to find out I would have been better off with the other.

You'll need the DVI board to get 1:1 pixelmapping. I have used this and I have never heard of anybody who has managed to get this working with HDMI. I guess Panny regards HDMI as video format 480/576, 720, 1080 and probably VGA (480). DVI as data VGA, SVGA, XGA and the native resolution (if different) for computer use.

Edit: Ehh... DVI also supports all the video formats of course

Yes, DVI board definitely. Panny support many more resolutions on that.

DVI board it is! I'm guessing that the 1:1 pixel mapping is the best way to utilize the VP30 w/ 102 deinterlacer card. I did a search on pixel mapping in the forum and searched DVDO's site but didn't come up w/ much of an explanation. I'll take your's and choddo2006's replies that it is something I definately would want. Thanks for the recommendation.

1:1 pixel mapping means that as the VPxx puts out its digital signal which is composed of "pixels", each pixel value put out corresponds to a single and only a single precise pixel on the projector or display device. This is only valid when both the source (vpXX) and display are digital in nature.

When this is the case then the display is performing no alteration on the pixel data (loose statement but accurate enough for the point), but taking the pixel value (loosely, the amplitude of the primary colors) and using it as is. This implies that all adjustments and scaling are performed by the scaler with no noise or artifacts being introduced in the path from the VPxx to the display.

Ideally if the original source was at the native resolution of the display then there could be a direct pixel mapping from the source (cable head end) through the STB and the Scaler to the display with no A/D or D/A conversions, no interpolations, nothing but passage of pure digital data.

Hope that helps.

Ah ok I'm understanding now. If I can ask one more, prabably a trivial question for the gurus.

If I have a HD satellite receiver or other source that is outputting 1080i or 720p, would I want to just pass it through the VP30 untouched or would the display still need to interpolate the 1080i or 720p source to fit the 1366x768 resolution? I'm thinking that I'd still want the VP30 to process the signal. I guess my real question is, does 1080i or 720p = 1366x768 (I'm thinking it doesn't)

Ah ok I'm understanding now. If I can ask one more, prabably a trivial question for the gurus.

If I have a HD satellite receiver or other source that is outputting 1080i or 720p, would I want to just pass it through the VP30 untouched or would the display still need to interpolate the 1080i or 720p source to fit the 1366x768 resolution? I'm thinking that I'd still want the VP30 to process the signal. I guess my real question is, does 1080i or 720p = 1366x768 (I'm thinking it doesn't)

720p - 1280x720p
1080i - 1920x1080i
1080p - 1920x1080p

Unless the set has a really good processor (at which point the VP50 would be unnecessary), I would think that pass through is not ideal in your situation. I would set the output to 1366x768p and let the DVDO do all the deinterlacing and scaling of 1080i, 720p, 480i, etc.

- Collin

Thanks for the confirmation, collinp.

As to pixel mapping:
Currently doing this (I think...) with 576i component inputs to my VP30/ABT102D and outputting 852x480 to my plasma through VGA.
Excellent image.

Don't understand though why I can't get an image when I input hdmi.
I do get an image (but not as good as via the above method) when I output hdmi from the VP30.
VP30 itself is hdcp compliant, or not?
If it's dependant on the screen for hdcp handshaking I don't understand why the VP30 has hdmi-processed and hdmi-through modes...

As to pixel mapping:
Currently doing this (I think...) with 576i component inputs to my VP30/ABT102D and outputting 852x480 to my plasma through VGA.
Excellent image.

Don't understand though why I can't get an image when I input hdmi.
I do get an image (but not as good as via the above method) when I output hdmi from the VP30.
VP30 itself is hdcp compliant, or not?
If it's dependant on the screen for hdcp handshaking I don't understand why the VP30 has hdmi-processed and hdmi-through modes...

Analog connections like component and vga cannot carry an HDCP signal. You will only get HDCP over HDMI.

- Collin

As to pixel mapping:
Currently doing this (I think...) with 576i component inputs to my VP30/ABT102D and outputting 852x480 to my plasma through VGA.
Excellent image.

Don't understand though why I can't get an image when I input hdmi.
I do get an image (but not as good as via the above method) when I output hdmi from the VP30.
VP30 itself is hdcp compliant, or not?
If it's dependant on the screen for hdcp handshaking I don't understand why the VP30 has hdmi-processed and hdmi-through modes...
Which display is that? Can't think of many 480p sets with HDMI...? In what way is the image worse?

If you force the primary source (HD sat rcvr) to a single output resolution, assuming that it accepts multiple input resolutions it will perform scaling on the input signal to achieve the single output resolution. If you now feed that to a scaler, the scaler may or may not adjust the signal againdepending on the relation of that signal to that needed by the display device.

The real desideratum is to "force" the scaler to do all of the scaling and allow no other device (source or display) to scale the signal. To achieve this, the source should pass any input it gets at the resolution of the input signal (For HD sat - 1280i or 720p or ...), for DVD in the USA - 480i. The output of the scaler should then be pixel matched to the display if at all possible.

The primary assumption in the above is that the scaler does a better job doing its primary function than any other device in the chain. If that is not the case then why buy.......

Having said all of that, What looks the best is the best!.

Does the VP30 pass multichannel PCM through the HDMI ports (i.e HDMI in -> HDMI out)??

I read that this issue was fixed with the latest VP50 firmware, but wasn't sure if this was still and issue on the VP30. My searches didn't find anything conclusive.

Thanks.

Anyone?

If Multichannel PCM is Dolby Digital 5.1 or AC-3 multichannel or what ever name - It always has, but the Audio drop out problem still exists.

If Multichannel PCM is Dolby Digital 5.1 or AC-3 multichannel or what ever name - It always has, but the Audio drop out problem still exists.

Thanks Barry. I'm specifically interested in HD-DVD, Bluray, or high-res audio players. Say an HD-DVD player decodes a DD Plus soundtrack and outputs that audio as 5.1 PCM over HDMI. Is there any issue with that audio passing through the VP30? What about 7.1?

Another example would be the OPPO 970HD. That player can output PCM data from DVD-Audio or SACD discs over HDMI, any issues with that audio data passing through the VP30?

Thanks for any help.

I am not sure of the new HD audio formats on the new generation of dvd players. Best ask DVDO directly or some one with real world experience on those input devices

Thanks Barry. I'm specifically interested in HD-DVD, Bluray, or high-res audio players. Say an HD-DVD player decodes a DD Plus soundtrack and outputs that audio as 5.1 PCM over HDMI. Is there any issue with that audio passing through the VP30? What about 7.1?

Another example would be the OPPO 970HD. That player can output PCM data from DVD-Audio or SACD discs over HDMI, any issues with that audio data passing through the VP30?

Thanks for any help.

Yes, there are issues. With the Toshiba HD-A1, 5.1 PCM over HDMI does not work with any version of the VP30 firmware except 1.0, and with 1.0, it drops out or motorboats like crazy.

From Josh @ DVDO in an earlier quote about the HD-A1:
Bitstream is the correct setting if you would like the iScan VP30 to output 5.1 compressed audio (standard DD/dts) over the optical or coaxial outputs.

Auto is the correct setting if you would like the iScan VP30 to output 5.1 audio over the HDMI output.

I should have been more clear in my recommendation.

See this thread for my experience with this issue and firmware 1.0.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7529730#post7529730

Hopefully DVDO will be able to bring most of the fixes to VP30 originated issues that existed on the VP50 and are now sorted back to the VP30 (and VP20).

There will obviously be some hardware limits to this but I'd think the following would at least be desirable for them to apply to the whole VPx0 family;


Audio dropout fix
Improved HDMI switching (less loss of audio etc)
5.1 PCM HDMI->HDMI pass thru


I'm not sure about 7.1 PCM, I've not read much mention of this and all the players I've seen have only had 5.1 analogue outputs so this may be reserved for HDMI 1.3 devices passing unconverted 7.1 HD audio to a receiver. Again this probably won't work going thru the current VP range (until a VP70 with HDMI 1.3 appears ;) ).

Thanks for the info, that's definitely helpful. I'll contact DVDO and if I found out anything new I'll post it here.

Which display is that? Can't think of many 480p sets with HDMI...? In what way is the image worse?

Panny TH42-PWD6EX + DVI board.
HDMI shows more upsampling errors (flickering textures in black) and a sort of "vaguer" pic, not as crisp as per 1:1 pixel mapping thru comp/VGA.

If you force the primary source (HD sat rcvr) to a single output resolution, assuming that it accepts multiple input resolutions it will perform scaling on the input signal to achieve the single output resolution. If you now feed that to a scaler, the scaler may or may not adjust the signal againdepending on the relation of that signal to that needed by the display device.

The real desideratum is to "force" the scaler to do all of the scaling and allow no other device (source or display) to scale the signal. To achieve this, the source should pass any input it gets at the resolution of the input signal (For HD sat - 1280i or 720p or ...), for DVD in the USA - 480i. The output of the scaler should then be pixel matched to the display if at all possible.

The primary assumption in the above is that the scaler does a better job doing its primary function than any other device in the chain. If that is not the case then why buy.......

Having said all of that, What looks the best is the best!.



Thanks, yes, my two comp inputs are both 576i, and the output matches the display.
This has proved to result in the nicest pic.

So just for the sake of understanding- is it normal I don't get a pic unless in and out are both dvi/hdmi ?

I am not sure I understand your question re in and out both having to be HDMI/DVI. My setup has HDMI as the output coming from the VP50 (was a vp30). It then has a HDMI to DVI 6 inch adapter cable feeding a 35 foot DVI-DVI cable feeding the DVI input of a Benq 8700 projector.

I use (3) HDMI input (I only use the video and route the audio around the VPxx directly to my audio processor, a Lexicon MC-1) for two cable DVR's (SA8300HD) and a PC; and Component input for all other sources. The component input is fed by the output of a KDS 4x1 switcher (6 wideband channels that will handle any component/audio signals) from two Sony DVD megachangers (480i), one sony PS2 (720p) and one Roku Photobridge (720p). The audio from these devices is either digital coaxial or digital Toslink which I convert to digital Coaxial, switched through the same 4x1 switcher and fed directly to the audio processor.

So as far as I can tell, and I am pretty sure I am correct, The VPxx allow different input and output types at the same time. The issues will be as follows:

On HDMI input the HDCP requirements may need to be satisfied (source dependent) and on the output side the display may not be sening a valid EDID file to allow for the various HDMI sources to operate to their fullest capabilities.

Thanks for the info, that's definitely helpful. I'll contact DVDO and if I found out anything new I'll post it here.

I contacted DVDO tech support and they confirmed that both the VP50 and VP30 are HDMI 1.1 and can pass up to 8 channels of audio. They (of course) couldn't confirm a release date for the fixes to the VP30, but I think the fact that the VP50 has received an update to correct the audio issues is very reassuring.

So as far as I can tell, and I am pretty sure I am correct, The VPxx allow different input and output types at the same time. The issues will be as follows:


That's correct, but not entirely; you can't output to the screen thru analog (vga) and input hdmi to the VP30.
No picture here...blue screen or "jersey sweater pattern", which indeed points at hdcp problems.
Could be interesting though if it would work, because 1:1 pixels matching only applies to the output of the VP30 vs the screen, it is possible image would further improve by feeding the dvd to the VP30 in hdmi-576i.

That's correct, but not entirely; you can't output to the screen thru analog (vga) and input hdmi to the VP30.
No picture here...blue screen or "jersey sweater pattern", which indeed points at hdcp problems.
Could be interesting though if it would work, because 1:1 pixels matching only applies to the output of the VP30 vs the screen, it is possible image would further improve by feeding the dvd to the VP30 in hdmi-576i.

If hdmi input is hdcp, vga out is not allowed.

If hdmi input is hdcp, vga out is not allowed.

If anyone needs a Solution for that limitation - just PM me!

It would appear DVDO has forgotten about us since the vp50 has been released. I am so frustrated and embarrassed with my vp30 and it's audio dropouts. Every time I have company over I have to explain why the video processor I paid good money for is dropping out audio while there $29.95 dvd player at their home doesn't.

I mean if a planes engine stalled 3,4,6,7,8 times during flight that would be considered a serious defect, somehow this is level of quality is acceptable to DVDO. I think DVDO as a company needs to stand up and either correct the problem ASAP or if they simply can not find the fix offer the consumers a way out either by upgrade or buy out. I really don't think that's to much to ask for a company of their size and in their line of business. If you sell a high-end line of consumer equipment it should function as such.

Enough said.

Jeff

Hello

Does the VRS DVD include a test that is good for checking de-interlacing quality?

If so - what is it called?

thank you

It would appear DVDO has forgotten about us since the vp50 has been released.

Hi Jeff,

I think that since the VP50 still has a few problems with the latest firmware (test screens etc) they are probably trying to sort those out first before backporting the changes to the VP30 and VP20. I expect to see a 1.02 or 1.03 release of VP50 firmware before they even start working on the VP30/20 firmware. So in other words we are probably not going to see a 1.11 release until the new year.

But... you are right that it is sad that a one year old device like the VP30 is already third in line for support after the VP50 and VP20. When the VP70 is released you just know that the VP30 will fall even further behind.

To be honest I like my VP30 and its current feature set so as long as the bugs are fixed I will be happy with it as it stands. Doing the VPxx +20 upgrade dance is just too damn expensive for me and too stressful with all the beta testing we seem to be asked to do for DVDO.

I know a lot of DVDO fanboys here love being lifelong beta testers for DVDO but the rest of us prefer products that "Do what they say on the tin!" not "Might do most of what we originally said it would do but only after you have found all the problems and given us a year to solve them. We will however release it anyway as it is!"

I ordered a commercial Panny panel which should arrive in about a week, and was a little concerned about the ratio and color adjustments. I did a lot of reading throughout the forum, asked a lot of questions and decided to get a video processor to give me more control and a better SD picture. I have a few basic questions regarding the VP30 which most here can probably answer very easily, and I probably should have asked prior to ordering which is why I started second guessing my purchase.

1.) Will the VP30 give me full control to adjust colors, tint, hue etc. to get an accurate picture since the display is a bit limited in this area?

2.) I've seen the Avia product mentioned for calibration, is this or another title recommended for calibrating a display w/ the VP30? Is something included w/ the VP to calibrate colors etc...?

3.) If anyone is using a VP20/30 with a 9UK or any display for that matter, does it give you full control over ratios and such? From what I've read, the 9UK is limited to ratio control of some HD content such as 4:3. I'd like to be able to resize anything on any type of input if I need/want to, like making 2.35:1 fill the screen, whether by zooming so the top and bottom match the display and the sides get cropped a little, or just a stretch to make everything tall and skinny. Any simple example or explanation would be appreciated of what the VP30 is capable of in this capacity.

1.) Will the VP30 give me full control to adjust colors, tint, hue etc. to get an accurate picture since the display is a bit limited in this area?

Yes, though not service menu like controls. You get brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness and depending on input you get tint. You also get basic gamma control.

2.) I've seen the Avia product mentioned for calibration, is this or another title recommended for calibrating a display w/ the VP30? Is something included w/ the VP to calibrate colors etc...?

The VP30+ABT comes with a VRS test disc which contains the basic patterns and a lot of deinterlacer tests. This may be all you need.

Avia is not bad. It has a lot of patterns and an easier interface than DVE. My biggest complaint is that its gray windows are slightly inaccurate. If I was going to buy only one disc I would recommend Digital Video Essentials. It's got all the patterns you need, test footage, and a lot of good explanation. It's major limitation is its strange navigation and grayscale steps that go in 20 IRE jumps (that probably only matters to calibration geeks like myself.) The inexpensive shareware GetGray disc is also quite good, but contains no hand holding videos. My favorite is AviaPro, but its expensive and not for the casual user.

3.) If anyone is using a VP20/30 with a 9UK or any display for that matter, does it give you full control over ratios and such? From what I've read, the 9UK is limited to ratio control of some HD content such as 4:3. I'd like to be able to resize anything on any type of input if I need/want to, like making 2.35:1 fill the screen, whether by zooming so the top and bottom match the display and the sides get cropped a little, or just a stretch to make everything tall and skinny. Any simple example or explanation would be appreciated of what the VP30 is capable of in this capacity.

Oh yes. Full and complete control. You will not be disappointed. It can be a little complex to get your head wrapped around at first, but that's because its so powerful. Most sets are limited to letterbox, 16:9, and 4:3. On the DVDO you can create any aspect ratio you can imagine and save it to a preset. I love it for things like 1.66 Kubrick films that never quite fill the screen right. Now they're pillarboxed correctly on a 16:9 screen with nothing chopped off at the top.

BTW - You can download a PDF of the manual while you're waiting for your processor to arrive.

- Collin

Yes, though not service menu like controls. You get brightness, contrast, color, and sharpness and depending on input you get tint. You also get basic gamma control.



The VP30+ABT comes with a VRS test disc which contains the basic patterns and a lot of deinterlacer tests. This may be all you need.

Avia is not bad. It has a lot of patterns and an easier interface than DVE. My biggest complaint is that its gray windows are slightly inaccurate. If I was going to buy only one disc I would recommend Digital Video Essentials. It's got all the patterns you need, test footage, and a lot of good explanation. It's major limitation is its strange navigation and grayscale steps that go in 20 IRE jumps (that probably only matters to calibration geeks like myself.) The inexpensive shareware GetGray disc is also quite good, but contains no hand holding videos. My favorite is AviaPro, but its expensive and not for the casual user.



Oh yes. Full and complete control. You will not be disappointed. It can be a little complex to get your head wrapped around at first, but that's because its so powerful. Most sets are limited to letterbox, 16:9, and 4:3. On the DVDO you can create any aspect ratio you can imagine and save it to a preset. I love it for things like 1.66 Kubrick films that never quite fill the screen right. Now they're pillarboxed correctly on a 16:9 screen with nothing chopped off at the top.

BTW - You can download a PDF of the manual while you're waiting for your processor to arrive.

- Collin

Thanks Collinp, you've been a big help answering these and other (probably trivial) questions I had posted over the last week or two. I'll be researching the proper way to burn in the display along w/ downloading that pdf to get a little familiar with the VP over the next few days since both are not due to be delivered until next week. Once I get over the break-in period I'll pickup Digital Video Essentials for proper calibration as you recommended. I feel a lot better knowing that it will do everything I was hoping it would, probably even more once I get familiar w/ it.

Quick note for people experiencing IR problems as previously noted in this forum. I have the VP30 in a cabinet with mesh doors covering the VP30. I found that IR reception was terrible either with the OEM remot or an MX500. The VP30 could not be remotely controlled consistently from even 4 feet away. No other component in the same cabinet every had a problem with IR reception form 12 feet away! DVDO was great in supplying a new IR lens that is lighter tinted than the original. After the easy install, the problem was solved. I now have no problem with IR reception from my seating position and I can set up the remote macros to automatically switch audio (connected directly from source to Sunfire TGIII) and video connected HDMI or component video to VP30 (then to monitor). :)

Quick note for people experiencing IR problems as previously noted in this forum. I have the VP30 in a cabinet with mesh doors covering the VP30. I found that IR reception was terrible either with the OEM remot or an MX500. The VP30 could not be remotely controlled consistently from even 4 feet away. No other component in the same cabinet every had a problem with IR reception form 12 feet away! DVDO was great in supplying a new IR lens that is lighter tinted than the original. After the easy install, the problem was solved. I now have no problem with IR reception from my seating position and I can set up the remote macros to automatically switch audio (connected directly from source to Sunfire TGIII) and video connected HDMI or component video to VP30 (then to monitor). :)

Did not help me any...

The new IR-lens helped a little, but what really helped was buying a universal remote. So it's clear that the original remote could be a lot better.
As I've mentioned before, I can point my Harmony in pretty much any direction in the room and still get the VP30 to react, while with the original remote I had to hold it pretty much in line with the VP30, even with the new lens. But the Harmony I've got is of course many times as expensive as the original, and probably fills the room with IR signals from multiple IR-senders in its front.

I've been reading through the VP50 thread and it sounds like the new SW release essentially eliminated the audio dropouts. Does anyone have some insight as to when we might see something for our VP30s?

I have had my VP since Thursday and have experienced all the audio drop out, lock up etc problems. Fortunately, my wife has been out of town and hasn't seen any of the problems. I may need to bypass the VPs audio features (a main reason I selected it) before she gets back.

We can only guess that when the VP50 update has been debugged and released as production that they'll add the debugged fixes to the other Vpx0's.

As Josh doesn't post much hear your best bet is to call DVDO and ask them direct what there plans/timeline is.

I'm considering getting a scaler/processor for my Samsung HLS 50" 1080p television. It's primary use would be for:

1) non-HD game systems (ps2, Wii, older systems)
2) HDMI 480i DVD from my pioneer elite 79avi
3) HDMI from Motorola HD cable box

I wondering if a processor is worth it for my display. Will I see improvement in games such as Final Fantasy 12 or the new Wii zelda? 480i/480p games have a tendency to turn into an aliased mess on most HD displays I've seen (although the Pioneer plasmas do seem to do a much better job of it).

I don't think I need the VP50, but perhaps the VP20/30 with the addon deinterlacer card?

Any opinions/suggestions would be much appreciated.

I am considering buying a VP30 with ABT102 (no SDI).

Will I have problems with this configuration:

DVD player (component y/pr/pg) 576i -> HDMI 720p (processed).
XBOX 360 (vga rgbhv) 720P -> HDMI 720P (no processing, pass-through).
HTPC (dvi/hdmi) 720P -> HDMI 720P (no processing, pass-through).
DigitalTV (component y/pr/pg or hdmi) 576i -> HDMI 720P (processed).

My future configuration will be, will I have problems in the future? :

DVD player (hdmi) 576i -> HDMI 1080p
XBOX 360 (vga rgbhv) 720P -> HDMI 1080P
HTPC (hdmi) 720P -> HDMI 1080P
DigitalTV (hdmi) 576i/720P/1080i -> HDMI 1080P
PS3 (hdmi) 1080i/1080P -> HDMI 1080P (passthrough?)

I currently have HD+, will there be a noticable diffence when upgrading to VP30 in picture quality?

I'm also considering purchasing a VP30 (I'm a newbie in so far as knowledge about video processors) and pairing it with a Mitsubishi HC5000 which has it's own video processor. Will this combination work or am I being redundant? Of course I have other video sources I will route to the VP30 such as a VCR and Comcast's DCR set top box.

Few very important questions, sry dont have the time to read almost 200 pages long thread.

Can VP30 pass-through 1080p and is this a real issue with PSP3, BluRay, HD-DVD and HTPC sources? XBOX360 is only 720P if not upscaled to 1080i, so this is a non-issue with that.

Is there a benefit for not using VP30 1080i->1080p deinterlacing and instead use pass-through 1080P?

Will VP30 be (or is it already) obsolete when HD-DVD and BluRay arrive? (in Europe those are very rare currently, just few movies released and cannot be bought from local stores)

Will I be able to use full resolution from PSP3 1080P when using VP30 as main HDMI hub?

ctishue - You really aren't going to see much improvment on ps2 / wii games. Where the VP30 really shines is the deinterlacing - and the aliasing that you see in FF12 stems from the fact that the ps2's graphics just aren't good to begin with. What FF12 needs is anti-aliasing and better texture mapping.

In other words, the aliasing that you see isn't really related to the deinterlacing. Great deinterlacing on a crappy image will still look crappy unfortunately.

The dvd player and the motorola should be improved quite a bit by the VP30 with the card. though.

What I really like about using the vp30 with games is the fact that I can custom adjust the overscan/zoom to fill up the screen just right. For me, ps2 with the component cables still leaves a small black border around the image, even in progressive. I can fix this with the VP30.

I just figured a good scaler would make the games look somewhat better scaled to 1080p. They do look a lot nicer to me on a native 480i or 480p display than they do scaled to a resolution they aren't meant to be.

But yeah I do like being able to stretch the image of consoles like the PS2 with the VP30. PS2 games have never filled my HDTVs screen.

Does the reported audio drop outs include all digital audio outputs?

No, HDMI only - though I don't experience them. But, I switched to Coax and Toslink for my Digital Audio until FW is straighten out. No biggie for me.

No, HDMI only - though I don't experience them. But, I switched to Coax and Toslink for my Digital Audio until FW is straighten out. No biggie for me.

hmmm nope. I dont have HDMI switching on my amp hence why I bought the VP30 in the first place. I have experienced the dropouts on both optical and coax outputs. It also effects all inputs, even the analogs, according to some users. So the bug is definitely to do with the digital out process of the VPx0's.

Wonder how many months we will need to wait until the VP30 gets the bug patch. :(

Wonder how many months we will need to wait until the VP30 gets the bug patch. :(

I am SO with you on this. I just "knew" when the VP50 was released that it would get more attention (firmware) that the VP30- even though we were told the contrary.

I am at the point that I wish DVDO would just be honest and say "IF" the patch is coming or not so I can decide if I am going to wait any longer or buy a different product. The HDMI capabilities (or at least those listed on the DVDO web site) were one of the main reasons I bought my VP30 - and I cannot use them! My cable box drops literally every time I change the channel (when using HDMI). I invested a good deal of money in the DVDO VP30- to have a nice, clean installation of all of my gear- and now I have more "work-around's" than I did before I bought the product!

I almost wish DVDO would just say that it's not going to be fixed (which would at least be an admission of the problem) so I could just cut my losses and move on.

Sorry to be negative but I have just had it with this product...

Shawn,

I definitely agree with you. Despite the fact that the VP30 has 8-10 months worth of time in the marketplace over the VP50, it feels like we've taken a back seat to the VP50 owners. On one hand it's irritating, but on the other I wonder if we've just grown accustomed to DVDO being so quick to issue updates and fixes for their products that we're interpreting this lengthy time for a fix as DVDO ignoring us.

I have to remind myself that there are many consumer electronics manufacturers who don't bother to issue bug fixes for their products at all. DVDO's track record definite proves to me they are committed to their products and to customer satisfaction. So while I'm annoyed, I'm not ready to sell my VP30 (love it too much!), and give up on DVDO all together.

I'm confident given the results that VP50 owners are having with their latest firmware, that a bug fix will eventually reach us VP30 owners. Given the holiday season, and the ramp up for CES though, I don't expect to see anything until at least the end of January.

I'm sure they're working on a firmware update for the VP30 as well, and after all, the bug fixing latest update for the VP50 is only beta so far, but I wish they could confirm (or not) that they are working on a VP30 update. And preferably what exactly they hope to accomplish with it. I can't see what harm there would be in that. Audio bug fix is obvious, but what other features/fixes are in the works? It's not as if competing brands would gain anything from knowing what kind of update the VP30 gets, or take anything away from ABT because of it.

Over the past couple of months I have anticipated purchasing an iScan Vp-30 or VP-50 once year end bonus time came around. For the third time I have sent an inquiry to help@DVDO.com per the website instructions and I NEVER have received a response.

I am concerned about buying a unit from a company the blatantly ignores questions from prospective customers and does not even acknowledge having received the questions.

Maybe someone here can help me answer my question I sent yesterday:


"Dear iScan Help:

I am planning on buying a VP-30 or VP-50 later today, but need to know what cable to buy to connection my projector.

My LCD front projector has only analog connections and has a native rate of 1366x768. I can either connect via component (YPbPr) or RGBHV. If I want to feed the projector the native rate of 1366x768 do I need to connect via RGBHV? Or can I connect via YPbPr and transfer the output rate of 1366x768 from the iScan?

I have looked at the Owner’s Manual and it is a little bit confusing.

A prompt response would be appreciated as I would like to get the cables ordered or purchased later today.

Thank you,"

Mike

Mike, the VPxx series will send any resolution to a display but it would depend on the display accepting it. Some displays will not accept their native resolution and can only be fed standard video signals to sync to. What kind of projector is it?

Jeremy

Over the past couple of months I have anticipated purchasing an iScan Vp-30 or VP-50 once year end bonus time came around. For the third time I have sent an inquiry to help@DVDO.com per the website instructions and I NEVER have received a response.

I am concerned about buying a unit from a company the blatantly ignores questions from prospective customers and does not even acknowledge having received the questions.

Maybe someone here can help me answer my question I sent yesterday:


"Dear iScan Help:

I am planning on buying a VP-30 or VP-50 later today, but need to know what cable to buy to connection my projector.

My LCD front projector has only analog connections and has a native rate of 1366x768. I can either connect via component (YPbPr) or RGBHV. If I want to feed the projector the native rate of 1366x768 do I need to connect via RGBHV? Or can I connect via YPbPr and transfer the output rate of 1366x768 from the iScan?

I have looked at the Owner’s Manual and it is a little bit confusing.

A prompt response would be appreciated as I would like to get the cables ordered or purchased later today.

Thank you,"

Mike


If you look at the link for the back of the VP30 (http://www.dvdo.com/documents/iScanVP30_BACK.pdf) , you will see that the analog output is configurable to either (YPbPr) or RGBHV along w/ RGB/S or RGB. The DVDO has many common native resolutions preconfigured that the user can select as an output format. You can also customize your own. I am outputting the same resolution, 1366x768, however mine is output over HDMI. You will need to purchase those chepo BNC to RCA style adapters for the VP30/50 if using standard RCA style cables.

Mike, the VPxx series will send any resolution to a display but it would depend on the display accepting it. Some displays will not accept their native resolution and can only be fed standard video signals to sync to. What kind of projector is it?

Jeremy

My display will accept the native rate of 1366x768 (SE 13HD). I sent that inquiry to Studio Experience and they responded in less than 1 hour.

Where the DVDO manual is confusing is in "TABLE 1. Preset Formats and Characteristics for Analog Video Output" where it lists the output information for 1366x768 it shows the: Horizontal Resolution, Vertical Resolution, Scan Type, Sync Signal Line, and Color Space as 1366, 768, P, H-V-, and RGB, respectively. Whereas for several other resolutions, such as 720 x 480 it shows 720, 480, P, Y, YPbPr.

Maybe that cleasrs up my confusion.

Thank you.

Over the past couple of months I have anticipated purchasing an iScan Vp-30 or VP-50 once year end bonus time came around. For the third time I have sent an inquiry to help@DVDO.com per the website instructions and I NEVER have received a response.

I am concerned about buying a unit from a company the blatantly ignores questions from prospective customers and does not even acknowledge having received the questions.

Mike, I've very surprised to here this. I've sent DVDO several questions over the past few months using the same address as you, and have always received a response, usually within 48 hours. Have you tried calling DVDO?

Edit

-When a guy sends an email saying he want to buy a product then answer the freakin email. Maybe even follow up with subsequent emails or a phone call.

Yeah, this is obviously a no brainer. I have generally gotten responses out of DVDO albeit relatively short ones, but you have clearly been less successful. They're probably understaffed and they can't handle the volume or the question required further investigation with engineering and the ball got dropped. Not that this is an excuse. There are relatively inexpensive request tracking packages that can be used to ensure things aren't lost in the shuffle even with a small staff.

-Give your dealers demos. Wouldn't it be nice if customers could actually see an expensive consumer item before they have to purchase. Makes too much sense and technical types don't get it.

The DVDO dealers I've seen have had demo units in store. But I wouldn't be surprised if this was done at the dealer's expense. I think you're suggestion is that DVDO seed a complimentary demo unit of each model to all dealers. This usually isn't how the CE industry works, but it may be a worthwhile strategy for DVDO to differentiate itself.

-Have a real presence on influential boards like this. You do more business here than any other source. DVDO is only visable here when they are introducing a new product.

Their participation has varied over the years. They used to have a technical voice (Dale Adams) present on the board who really kept up with issues and was involved regularly post-introduction.

Dale is still around though no longer with DVDO. Josh is the new presence on the board. He is a marketing guy with obvious technical knowledge, but a bit more focused on creating buzz during product launches. He did participate a bit more during the first half of the year, but recently he seems to have reduced his participation. This may be due to the natives getting restless over the audio dropout issues. Sorry, It was worth getting riled up about. That problem was bad and lasted for far too long. Even now, its still only fixed in beta form on one of three processors.

In DVDOs defense participation in these boards can be trying. People come together with all sorts of agendas. Emotions run high. And far too often people unleash posts which are far more combative than they'd ever act in person. Additionally, there is difficult balance for DVDO between giving the public the information they desire, not tipping of competitors, not canabalizing existing sales, and not over promising in public. DVDO has been caught several times publicly saying they would definitely ship a firmware update which enabled some feature and then been unable to deliver.

-Set up some demo days in major cities then advertise it here and elsewhere. Do a demo in 10 major cities at a hotel and they will sell hundreds of units.

Not a bad idea. Working with dealers, this could probably be done at a relatively small cost. Currently their main demo avenue seems to be the big trade shows, which cost quite a lot to rent a booth at.

-DVDO has a channel conflict issue. For example: a customer can buy directly from DVDO with a money back guarentee. But if you purchase from a dealer, the customer has no guarentee (unless the dealer provides it) and the dealer must eat the product if the customer isn't satisfied. A lot of this would go away if anybody actually had demo units, but DVDO chooses not to do that. This is poor dealer support and creates a conflict between dealer and direct sales. C'mon, this is elementary stuff

Do you know for a fact that the dealer must eat the cost? I don't think that's necessarily true. My first DVDO (the HD+) I bought from a local dealer and he said there was a 30 day no hassle return policy. When I asked him if he had a cost reduced open box unit from one of these returns, he said no all their stock was new and any returns were sent back to DVDO.

I hate to pick on DVDO but that's the subject at hand. Small comapnies are just ignorant about how to drive business

I don't think I'd go that far. They could do better, but the fact that they participate in this board at all is more than most companies do. They do a good job of creating buzz here around product launches and lining up preorders. They do a good job keeping existing customers with a shockingly generous upgrade program.

Anyway, that's my two cents,
Collin

omletpants,

it's the holiday season, plus CES is on the horizon. Get a grip...

OK - tech question:

Has anyone here ever had difficulties with their SDI connection? Mine seems to drop out a lot. I get it back if jiggle the cable at the connection on the VP30, but sometimes only temporarily. It's a real pain in the butt! It is the same SDI kit from my previous HD+, and I never had a problem then. Could I have a bulk-head fitting that has gone bad? I tried a little silver paste in the male side of the connection in hopes of making the connection more consistent, but that hasn't helped.

BTW - I have two cables and this happens with both of them which is why I suspect the connection on the box.

Mike, I've very surprised to here this. I've sent DVDO several questions over the past few months using the same address as you, and have always received a response, usually within 48 hours. Have you tried calling DVDO?


Good idea - I will try a call today.

Thank you for your response.

Mike

An update. I tried to call this afternoon. Only answering machines from the operator, technical help, and sales. In fact technical help indicated for presales questions to send inquiries to sales@dvdo.com or to call sales. The message also indicated that you would be more likely get a faster response with an e-mail and that the e-mails are answered in the order received.

I sent my question to sales. Let's see if they answer.....

omletpants,

it's the holiday season, plus CES is on the horizon. Get a grip...

Wow, I am quite surprised to see this type of response from a moderator. I don't think any of his concerns or questions were out of line, especially as MANY of us are having an issue with the "HDMI bug" and we are really getting the impression we are being ignored.

Someone is concerned because he is not getting a pre-sales question answered and he is told to "get a grip"? And the reasoning is that a trade show is coming up? Man...

I think there are a lot of us that plopped down $2k or more that would like to get a real response from DVDO on some real issues- even if they are a sponsor on this web site. While I am sure sponsors pay more than members to be here- the site would not exist without us, right? If you start taking the sides of paying sponsors, you might as well rename the site to "Consumer Reports"....

Agreed. They do have a generous return policy, which I took advantage of myself. The audio problems were bad, but the auto-switching not working on HDMI was worse for me.
Warren.

I appreciate that, but I want it to work as advertised- I don't want to send it back. This is a great unit- IF it will work as advertised. Unfortunately, it doesn't, and it's still being shipped (and advertised) that it does.

I am all for understanding and suffering through "bleeding edge bugs". I went through similar issues with my Samsung DLP's. However, Samsung acknowledged the problem and tried to fix it (and eventually did). They did not ignore emails and all but pretend the problem didn't exist.

I'd surely take a working VP-50 in exchange for my non working VP-30 and card, but I doubt that will happen without a substantial upgrade cost. I don't want to spend 2k+ to be a beta tester -especially if the real release is never going to come out!

Just (at least) give us an update... "The fix IS coming out on approximately xx/xx/xx. Yay! And I'll continue to wait". "The fix is NOT coming out. Fine, I will return my unit and buy another unit somewhere else". Pretty simple process if you ask me... However, fixing the new and pricer VP-50 while stringing everyone with a VP-30 along (and offering "upgrade specials" with fingers crossed?) is not customer service in my opinion.

In all honesty, if they had said "we can't fix it" and offered a good upgrade, I might have taken it. But now, after being forced to wait all this time, I don't think I will purchase from them again. Plus, according to the DVDO site, an "upgrade" will cost me $1,399 plus shipping. $1,399 to fix their bug and get no additional inputs and little (in my humble opinion) additional features?

Knock off a few bucks for every time I have to watch my wife smirk and say "You paid how much for that?" (which, by the way, is EVERY time I change the channel on the HD cable box and the sound goes out until I unplug the unit!) and maybe we'll talk.

I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing one of my clients had one of my products and it wasn't doing what I told them it would. Sure, my business is probably much smaller than DVDO's, but that shouldn't matter.

Trust me, I would LOVE to be proved wrong and an update to be released.

Good idea - I will try a call today.

Thank you for your response.

Mike

An update. I tried to call this afternoon. Only answering machines from the operator, technical help, and sales. In fact technical help indicated for presales questions to send inquiries to sales@dvdo.com or to call sales. The message also indicated that you would be more likely get a faster response with an e-mail and that the e-mails are answered in the order received.

I sent my question to sales. Let's see if they answer.....

Sales answered fairly quickly. They confirmed that I can use either RGBHV or YPbPr connections.

Thank you all for your help. I am doing my audio switching through my processor, so I don't have to worry about the audio dropout problems. At least I will have 30 days to decide if I like the unit with the only "cost" being shipping.

Thanks. Mike

Having trouble updating the VP30 software using a USB-serial converter. Followed update directions exactly but data transfer stops everytime at 1025b.

Everytime TeraTerm starts up, a message says "can't open com1". I guess the converter is plugged into com4. It's the only one that doesn't produce the message "can't open com...) when changing the port in setup-->serial port.

The VP30 displayes "Load.abt file now.." but the word "Loading" never shows up as the instructions say it will after sending file from TeraTerm. Any suggestions?

Thx, Tom

If you look back through this thread you can find some of the known to work USB serial dongles. I can tell you my Keyspan one doesn't. If the next rev of the s/w fixed this, I'd be a happier guy. Heck I've even oftered to help write the code but never heard back from them on it. It's not as if serial port flow control hasn't been done correctly before.

If you look back through this thread you can find some of the known to work USB serial dongles. I can tell you my Keyspan one doesn't. If the next rev of the s/w fixed this, I'd be a happier guy. Heck I've even oftered to help write the code but never heard back from them on it. It's not as if serial port flow control hasn't been done correctly before.

Thx Mark, I've been looking back to see if others found any settings or something that needed changed not listed in the instructions but haven't found anything that helped yet.
I'm using the usb-->serial converter from DVDO($49.99) with the driver from their website. It might be something with this "com 1" "com 4" connection thing. Could it really matter which USB port I'm using?

thx, Tom

Follow the setup direction from DVDO. Be aware that the terminal program probably didn't save your settings from one attempt to another. Stick with the Com port that you got a connection with.
See
http://www.dvdo.com/update/update-vp.php

Thx Mark, I've been looking back to see if others found any settings or something that needed changed not listed in the instructions but haven't found anything that helped yet.
I'm using the usb-->serial converter from DVDO($49.99) with the driver from their website. It might be something with this "com 1" "com 4" connection thing. Could it really matter which USB port I'm using?

thx, Tom

You can figure out what com port is the serial dongle by poking around in the device manager. You probably want com port 3 as com ports 1 and 2 are probably the onboard ports even if you don't have physical serial ports on the outside of the box.

- Collin

You can figure out what com port is the serial dongle by poking around in the device manager. You probably want com port 3 as com ports 1 and 2 are probably the onboard ports even if you don't have physical serial ports on the outside of the box.

- Collin

That was my next question. How do I know which 'com' port I'm using? Tera Term obviously wants to use 'com 1' because all the defaults are com 1 and everytime Tera Term starts up the message says, "can't connect to com 1". I'm not sure which is which.

The device manager says com 4 is used by bluetooth. I'll try com 3. Thx Collin.

supershawn,

Sorry if the response came off as harsh, but I felt that people were expecting a bit more from a rather small company in the holiday season.

I understand people are anxious, but since I'm not getting responses from DVDO tech support myself, I assume that they'll be more responsive next week.

All I'm saying is to reserve judgement until they return to their regularly scheduled program...

re VP30 firmware load.

You might want to give my program a whirl. It can be located at www.the-gordons.net. Seek and ye shall find. Be sure to read the documentation and adjust the ini file if required. It does not use teraterm. One of its modes of operation is to search the com ports to find the VP30, you just tell it how many ports to look for (like 4 or 8 or ...) . I think in its simplest mode, the one the ini file defaults to, it will do just that and provide for the loader functionality, hiding most of the advanced capabilities.

I will answer questions regarding the program, do not necessarily expect DVDO to, but they might.

I believe DVDO has had some management changes in the recent past and there may be a different viewpoint on of what use a presence on the forums is. If that is the case it is too bad since DVDO had a stellar rep in customer support and part of it was a forum presence.

re VP30 firmware load.

You might want to give my program a whirl. It can be located at www.the-gordons.net. Seek and ye shall find. Be sure to read the documentation and adjust the ini file if required. It does not use teraterm. One of its modes of operation is to search the com ports to find the VP30, you just tell it how many ports to look for (like 4 or 8 or ...) . I think in its simplest mode, the one the ini file defaults to, it will do just that and provide for the loader functionality, hiding most of the advanced capabilities.

I will answer questions regarding the program, do not necessarily expect DVDO to, but they might.


Your program might be the ticket to solve this. I'm convinced the stopgap here is the USB-serial converter. The converter has a red and green light, neither of which went active anytime.

Barry, you mentioned in a previous post your program doesn't know there's a USB-serial converter in the works. When using your program, would the previous version driver for the USB-serial converter (provided by DVDO) be needed? (or, would it work better if the other driver is used; the one Windows is always trying to instal?)

thx, Tom

Tom, I am not sure. The USB to RS232 converters I use are the IOnetworks Edgeport line. As far as the program knows, there is no usb to serial converter. It just opens a com port. I have had total sucess with these devices (Edgeports) and have used them both in my home and an industrial environment. They install their own drivers, and have a utility to assign the ports to any com port. I generally use a 8 way adapter (8 ports) but also have installed a 16 way unit. My HT has 2 8 port units, while the home automation server has a 16 port unit. The 8 port units were available on eBay at one time used for $25. I should have bought more.

With regard to the drivers for the converter, I am not sure but would first try the ones supplied by DVDO, and if they do not work let MS do what it wants to do.

Tom, I am not sure. The USB to RS232 converters I use are the IOnetworks Edgeport line. As far as the program knows, there is no usb to serial converter. It just opens a com port. I have had total sucess with these devices (Edgeports) and have used them both in my home and an industrial environment. They install their own drivers, and have a utility to assign the ports to any com port. I generally use a 8 way adapter (8 ports) but also have installed a 16 way unit. My HT has 2 8 port units, while the home automation server has a 16 port unit. The 8 port units were available on eBay at one time used for $25. I should have bought more.

With regard to the drivers for the converter, I am not sure but would first try the ones supplied by DVDO, and if they do not work let MS do what it wants to do.

Ok thx Barry, I'm experimenting now thinking it must be something simple I've overlooked. Now I'm trying a reinstall of the FTDI converter driver via DVDO. When first installing a message popped up saying the converter was not installed properly and may fail(I thought this was due to the driver not being MS approved).

This message didn't show up on the second instal of the driver so I'm hopeful.

Just to be sure this is possible, has anyone updated the VP30 using XP and the USB-serial converter/driver from DVDO?

Thx, Tom

Tom,

Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a little com test program. It requires a loopback plug. A loopback plug is a DB9 connector of the appropriate sex to mate with your USB to serial adapter with pins 2 and 3 shorted together. The program allows you to select the port, assign speed and other parameters and then to type characters. It shows what it receives and it better show what you typed in.

If others indicate they want it I will post it on my web site for downloading

Tom,

Send me a PM with your email address and I will send you a little com test program.

Ok Thx Barry, sounds interesting.

Update: I've had good luck. The VP30 has been updated to 1.10 using the USB-serial converter. The problem was all about the Com port. Within the folder of the driver download, there's a .pdf titled "Comport". It explains how to change the Com port assigned to a USB device.

After Collin, suggested checking Device Manager(thx collin), the USB port had been assigned Com 5 which wouldn't allow TeraTerm to connect due to TeraTerm only having options for Coms 1-4.

Right after the USB-serial converter's port setting was changed to Com 1, the download worked perfectly. And only took 11 mins.

Thx, Tom

Is it possible to get Hue control on signals coming in on the HDMI inputs? I have an Oppo 970 sending 480i via HDMI into the VP30 and Hue is grayed out. I've changed the colorspace on the Oppo from RGB to YCbCr 4:4:4 along with setting it manually on the input of the VP30 to match, but Hue is still grayed out. I thought maybe it was because my DVD player was set to RGB but it's obviously something more.

I have the VP30 connected to a 9UK via DVI blade and hue works fine with Svideo, but can't get it to work w/ HDMI.

I have the VP30 connected to a 9UK via DVI blade and hue works fine with Svideo, but can't get it to work w/ HDMI.

It is my understanding that hue controls are not for component signals (including digital RGB and YCbCr), regardless of which HW you are using.

It is my understanding that hue controls are not for component signals (including digital RGB and YCbCr), regardless of which HW you are using.

Yes, the hue control is used to control the demultiplexing of the chroma signal. If the chroma signal is not multiplexed as in component and digital signals there is no hue control. If the OP is trying to perform some sort of color correction that should be done at the display.

- Collin

Thanks for the info, unfortunately, hue/tint is also unavailable on the display, maybe because I am using DVI into the panel. I do have red high/low and blue high/low on the display that can be adjusted. I have hue/tint control on the source, (DVD player Oppo 970), but I was looking to centralize all corrections on the VP30.

Is there any resorurce that explains all the format adjustments. If I leave my th50ph9uk to it's default overscan settings of 0 everything works fine I get 1:1 mapping w/ the 1366x768(2) format. I'd like to use a little overscan on the display so I can turn on the pixel shift and not see the flashing edges. As soon as I do this I lose 1:1 and the VP30 has so many adjustments I just don't even know where to start to try and regain 1:1. Theres a handful of vertical and horizontal adjustments (ie. front, back etc..) and I have no clue on and how they relate to readjusting for the overscanned image on the display.

Hey. Hopefully someone can help me out. I've finally got round to updating to the latest firmware v1.10. Now i'm starting to put my settings back, but the option for "Display Profile" is greyed out and i can't create different profiles for each source.
Any ideas why this has happend? Everything seems to there just this one pretty important function is missing. :confused:
Thanks

Hey. Hopefully someone can help me out. I've finally got round to updating to the latest firmware v1.10. Now i'm starting to put my settings back, but the option for "Display Profile" is greyed out and i can't create different profiles for each source.
Any ideas why this has happend? Everything seems to there just this one pretty important function is missing. :confused:
Thanks

Try turning on advanced mode.

- Collin

Try turning on advanced mode.

- Collin

Thanks. I just remembered to turn on advanced mode. All is good. Thanks

Are any of the DVDO beta testers busy testing out the audio fix code on their VP30's yet? :( I have to tell you that I am getting impatient again with the wait. I realise its CES and all that jazz but still, its been quite a while since the last VP50 beta was released and we 30 and 20 owners havent heard a peep since

I don't think you'll get much from them on this and by the looks of it they won't be doing the updates in a VP30 beta till they have fixed and released the production 1.01 for the VP50.

But you never know, they may announce all new firmwares for the whole VPx0 range at CES... :rolleyes:

Has there even been an official acknowledgment from DVDO that fixes to the audio bugs in the VP50 will be useable in the VP30? I don't mean speculation from this thread, but an actual acknowledgment from DVDO that once the VP50 is rectified, they will be able to address the VP30 issues in the same manner.

Has there even been an official acknowledgment from DVDO that fixes to the audio bugs in the VP50 will be useable in the VP30?

No, but they have stated (in this thread) that a fix for the VP30 audio issues is in the works. When/if this actually happens in anyones guess. This problem is over ONE YEAR old.

Are any of the DVDO beta testers busy testing out the audio fix code on their VP30's yet? :( I have to tell you that I am getting impatient again with the wait. I realise its CES and all that jazz but still, its been quite a while since the last VP50 beta was released and we 30 and 20 owners havent heard a peep since
No kidding. I'm a long time DVDO customer, but the delays on such significant problems is making me consider switching brands on my next purchase.

No kidding. I'm a long time DVDO customer, but the delays on such significant problems is making me consider switching brands on my next purchase.

I agree, I previously purchased their iScan HD. But after my VP30 purchase, I'm not sure I'd purchase from DVDO again.

Right now, I still have to output a separate optical audio cable from all my HDMI devices to get 5.1 audio output (versus a simple 2 channel when using audio through HDMI) and even with that setup I get 2-3 audio "pauses" during a 2 hour period of viewing.

Right now, I just wish they would fix the audio "pause" issue... My wife keeps reminding me why we upgraded - which was to simplify the setup from her perspective - and she also keeps asking why the audio cannot be fixed. If I go back to having an audio output to the audio reciever from each device, I'm just back to where I was before (from her perspective) - so I keep delaying, hoping that a firmware fix comes out soon!

Amen!

It's embarrassing.

Just remember that it's not actually 'fixed' in the current VP50 *BETA* firmware, they've rewritten the code but what it seems to do is rather then a ~1 sec dropout you get a kind of ~1 ms hickup.

It's certainly a lot less noticable but still not as smooth as using a bypassed feed direct to your Amp.

If they have totally rewritten the audio code then there's probably more milage for improving this in time...

So you may even get a better fix when they get around to it. ;)

I am glad to hear that others are getting the "1 ms hiccup". I was getting it, but DVDO would not acknowledge the problem. I also route all my audio directly from the source to the AVP processor by passing the VP50. I would much rather do it as designed but . . .

I am glad to hear that others are getting the "1 ms hiccup". I was getting it, but DVDO would not acknowledge the problem. I also route all my audio directly from the source to the AVP processor by passing the VP50. I would much rather do it as designed but . . .Hmmm....not even sure that Vs 1.01 behaves any different in some instances from Vs 1.00 which I'm still using. I get the odd "1mS" drop out - never a 1 second break. What I do get by way of a long dropout is Video Blackout - this can last for about a second.

So, as I just realised that I'm on the VP30 thread, let me stress that Vs 1.01 Beta for the VP50 is certainly not there yet. The unresponsiveness of the OSD where you have to "pump" buttons on the Remote continously to adjust the Brightness for example, was enough for me to go back to Vs 1.00, particularly as it did not fix the Audio or Video bugs for me. So best to hang in there till they get it fully sorted out on the VP50.

Has anyone had any word regarding the passthrough option on the VP30?

I'm starting to loose faith here. Where is the update?? I have been considering returning this unit since it does not work, does not get fixed??

Is DVDO at CES? If anyone following this forum stops at their booth please ask about firmware updates!

Maybe someone can get them to put up the info to see what firmware they are running on the VP models at CES, I can't imagine them taking a chance on an audio dropout during a demo. Unless they are just bypassing the audio portion of the VP's like most users are doing.

Maybe someone can get them to put up the info to see what firmware they are running on the VP models at CES, I can't imagine them taking a chance on an audio dropout during a demo. Unless they are just bypassing the audio portion of the VP's like most users are doing.

That is if they are even running a demo on the VP30. Chances are they are showing off the VP50.

That is if they are even running a demo on the VP30. Chances are they are showing off the VP50.

That'd even be nice to see which firmware they are running on the VP50 since owner's still say there's an audio hiccup w/ the beta that's available.

Bugger me if I understand why everybody seems to be feeding audio through the VP30...
Typical situation ia DVD player/Set Top Box >>> Receiver or Processor >> Speakers.
Why not buy a Pronto or other macro able remote and build a macro if concurrent A and V switching is what you're after?
Most Receivers/Processors have lipsync compensation for who needs it, so what other benefits might there be in making an extra audio loop through the VP30 ?

I guess the real question is: Why should one have to buy a Pronto or other remote to.....

I am fortunate that the design of my HT allows just what you are stating. I pass all component audio through my VP but HDMI audio is routed around the VP. I suspect here will be devices coming out soon wher the audio will not be available except on the HDMI cable, but the gefen will step in with an hdmi Audio video splitter (which they already have).

The question still stands though, why should one need to spend the extra money?

Bugger me if I understand why everybody seems to be feeding audio through the VP30...
Typical situation ia DVD player/Set Top Box >>> Receiver or Processor >> Speakers.
Why not buy a Pronto or other macro able remote and build a macro if concurrent A and V switching is what you're after?
Most Receivers/Processors have lipsync compensation for who needs it, so what other benefits might there be in making an extra audio loop through the VP30 ?


I have an older Sony receiver which I'm happy with, does not have lypsynch features and I'm not interested in spending more $$ to replace it. I'd prefer not to add additional audio cables from my DVD players, and STB's, there are enough wires back there and audio over HDMI helps eliminate a few more. While my aging MX500 has 3 buttons for macros, the family is used to the device type way it is setup since they've been using it for over 6years now.

That is if they are even running a demo on the VP30. Chances are they are showing off the VP50.

Hmm, maybe CES was the only reason they bothered with a beta update for the VP50. As long as visitors to the show see the VP50 working they will assume that the VP20 and 30 work too. :)

Most Receivers/Processors have lipsync compensation for who needs it, so what other benefits might there be in making an extra audio loop through the VP30 ?

My (older) receiver doesn't have lipsync compensation so I would like to use my VP30 processor to perform that function - that's one of the main reasons I selected it.

I am using the VP30 for video processing (which can introduce a delay) and the audio should get delayed appropriately. The occasional drops are what I'm starting to live with.

I recently received a new VP-30 with the ABT102D precision deinterlacing card and think I got a defective unit. I am using analog input/output only and I set the output to 720p via component to my projector for now.

I have both a DVD player and a HD cable box hooked up to the DVDO.

Here is what I found:

Using component input 1 or 2 for DVD player: Does not work at either 480i or 480p output from DVD player, I get a blue screen output from the VP-30.

Using component input from HD cable box: Does not work with either 480i or 480p input, but works fine with 720p or 1080i input.

Using the BNC input with DVD player: Works fine at 480p input (this input on VP-30 does not accept 480i).

Using the BNC input with HD: Works fine at 480p, 720p, or 1080i input.

When I first received the VP-30 I could tell something was “loose” inside, but I still hooked it up and got the above results. When it did not work right I removed the top to discover that the ABT102D card was not properly seated, so hoping that this was the problem, I properly seated the card and tried again. However, the results were the same.

Do I have a bad unit? I can send it back for a replacement, but want to make sure that I did everything correctly.

Thanks,
Mike

i have the ruby projector, hdvd and a vp30. anyone care to venture how i might achieve 1080p/24fps for judder free video?

thanks

darryl

When I first received the VP-30 I could tell something was “loose” inside, but I still hooked it up and got the above results. When it did not work right I removed the top to discover that the ABT102D card was not properly seated, so hoping that this was the problem, I properly seated the card and tried again. However, the results were the same.

Do I have a bad unit? I can send it back for a replacement, but want to make sure that I did everything correctly.

Thanks,
Mike

It sure sounds like the abt102 card isn't working or still isn't seated correctly. I remember having to push sort of "firmly" getting it to seat correctly(then it was good and tight)
When u hit "info" at the top of the remote, does the screen report iScan VP30 w/abt102 v. 1.10 ?

It sure sounds like the abt102 card isn't working or still isn't seated correctly. I remember having to push sort of "firmly" getting it to seat correctly(then it was good and tight)
When u hit "info" at the top of the remote, does the screen report iScan VP30 w/abt102 v. 1.10 ?

Thanks for the suggestion. I am always hesitant to push too hard on electronic cards. I guess the best way to check may be to see how easy it is to pull up, if it is not seated it may not resist a pull up very well.

It was also indicated to me that I may need to run the firmware update since the ABT102D came loose as the unit may no longer recognize it correctly. The salesman told me that if they remove the card and reinstall it they need to rerun the update for the unit to function properly.

Seems odd, but I will give it a try.

Thank you,
Mike

Sorry in advance for a possibly stupid question, but what happens when you feed the VP30 a 1080p signal? It can't handle it, can it?

HD format players are suddenly coming closer, and it has happened a little faster than I had anticipated (no HD-channels where I live yet, at least not on cable, so these HD-DVD and BluRay players will be my first HD experience).

When I do get a HD-player outputting 1080p, and I then perhaps have a 1080p TV - would it then be best to route that signal around the VP30 and into the TV?

Has anyone had any word regarding the passthrough option on the VP30?

After all the trouble when I asked the same question, I'm surprised (but happy) that you have brought this up again.

From what I can see, the usual responses from DVDO on this forum seem to have gone from great to useless, and I am only guessing that internal changes in the company (including Dale leaving) have had a negative impact on the service and products they now offer.

Anyone have recomendations for silimarly priced/functional devices that I might have missed recently?

Random curtain closings - anyone have suggestions?

I have an OPPO 970HD connected via HDMI (480i) to my VP30. The VP30 drives an Infocus SP777 at 720P using an HDMI cable and DVI adapter at the SP777.

Most of the time things work fine (disregarding the audio dropouts). However, I have been having some problems with the "curtains" randomly closing/opening recently. We'll be watching a movie and it'll start randomly opening and closing until I finally get up and go fumble with the equipment rack. One time it seemed to stop the problem by removing power to the VP30 for a few seconds. Last night that didn't work and I had to dig into the equipment rack to connect component cables in order to finish the movie.

This is frustrating, embarrassing, and could impact my marital situation!

Any suggestions on how to stop this - or at least do something to quickly get things going again?

I know this has been discussed to some extent here, but I'm hoping for something more definitive - and recent.

Thanks,

Blue flashy light on the VP30? (I think)

HDCP issue, VP30 loosing HDCP lock with the PJ.

Do you get this with any other HDCP sources or just the Oppo?

You could check all the cables are secure or try some others.

If you change to a different source at the VP30 and then back to the Oppo does it work again?

I think there is a 3rd party firmware for the Oppo that switches off HDCP.... not that you're legally meant to need it with a 480i output anyway! ;)

Yes, blue flashing light.

So if you're driving a display that has, eg, a DVI interface but isn't HDCP compliant, you can't use the Digital connnection??? I thought that HDCP was intended to prevent upscaling analog outputs. To an old guy like me, its really confusing.

I also have an Off air tuner that, I think, is HDCP compliant. I'll need to move it down from a different room but that's doable.

One problem is that this is an intermittant problem. Its very difficult to check things that only happen once or twice a week.

I can't seem to find a place to download that firmware - any suggestions? From what I've read that's intended more to allow upconverted analog output from the OPPO. Would it likely help with this problem? Maybe by not setting the HDCP bit to start with?

Do I have this in the wrong forum? I was thinking it may be a problem with the VP30?


I changed cables with no effect.

Thanks for the response,

The decision of HDCP shutdown is a source issue. If the source demands that the sink (display) have HDCP on, then if it is not there the source should/will shut down the DIGITAL OUTPUT. This is checked every two seconds or so with what is called the HDCP handshake. In many pieces of gear this is screwed up to some degree. The mere insertion of an HDMI cable in some sources cause all outputs to be shurdown if HDCP is not complied with. The fact that the signal is of poor quality and or low resolution is not germane to the HDCP issue.

Introducing a VPxx scaler complicates the issue because now there is a "Repeater" in the loop, not just a source and a sink. It now multiplies the number of combinations of things that can go wrong by a significant factor.

If you only use Component output from your sources, then there is NO HDCP issue and you still can run Digital to the display and do native resolution synchronization. The VPxx's do a very good job of taking the analog Component source and making it digital. Of course, if it starts digital at the source many of us want to avoid all D/A - A/D conversions so we are stuck with HDMI/HDCP.

In reality, unless you are watching on a large venue display (mine is 10 feet wide), then you might not even notice a difference between analog (Component) and digital (HDMI) inputs.

HDMI/HDCP is all very much a morass of worms at this time, and probably will get worse before it gets better as the specs change.

HDCP is desired by the holders of intellectual property (owners of Muisc, films, etc.) for all DIGITAL outputs since a digital output suffers no generational loss when a copy is made. That is their main concern, perfect copies of perfect copies ad nauseum, not the resolution of the medium. or God forbid the quality of the material from either a technical or intellectual viewpoint.

Thanks, Barry. That helps with understanding if not the solution <g>.

I too project a 10ft image. When I switched to component the other night it seemed that the image took a definate hit. We were watching Training Day - partly because of its high rating for technical quality. To be far, I hadn't calibrated the VP30 for that component input, but I think there were more changes than some brightness and contrast.

What a mess, I bought the OPPO largely because of the 480i HDMI output - thought it would work well with my VP30 - and usually it does, but then this. I bought the VP30 partly because of its ability to handle multiple HDMI inputs. Now I don't trust either one.

Ok, my OPPO manual says: "Due to copyright protection requirements, when playing copyright protected DVD discs, the component output is limited up to 480P. If the component output resolution of the DVD player is set at 720P or 1080i, automatic downgrade may happen. HDMI output resolution is not affected by this limitation as it is copy-protected with HDCP".

My understanding is that the hacked firmware for the OPPO, will allow it to output 720P/1080i using component. I wonder if it has any effect on the HDMI output.

The VP30 manual says that the flashing blue light means that its processing a HDCP protected signal but is unable to authenticate with the display. HMMM, I have a 35ft HDMI cable to the PJ, I wonder if that's too long? It works most of the time - and, as far as I know, always works when I feed component to the VP30 and HDMI from the VP30 to the PJ.

How in the world can they expect mear mortals like me to operate a friggin TV these days???

Just an update for the group - I've been living with the audio drops since I purchased the VP30 last spring. I rang ABT today to ask if I could get a replacement VP30 or if they had any suggestions as to how to correct my continual (and seemingly getting worse) audio drops. The person on the phone was quite apologetic but could only confirm that they were aware of the issue and working on a patch. He could not confirm a delivery date for either the production or beta patch, but repeatedly stated they expect it 'soon'. He did not believe replacing my pre-processor would help matters, nor did he react favorably to my suggestion of upgrading to the VP50 to test it out.

Thus, no real news on any progress but I'm hoping I either keep someone from spending time on hold calling their support or instigating more people to phone them.

It is fairly embarrasing to have friends and the significant other comment about the audio drops when I host movie or game nights. I am also disappointed by DVDO's apparent disregard for our community, as that support was a significant factor in my purchasing decision. :(

Thanks for the info kashmir. I sent a email to DVDO tech support last week inquiring along the same lines. I received a similar response, they are working on this issue, but no info on a time frame for a firmware update.

I agree with you that it's a bit irritating. I also made my decision to go with DVDO given their activity on this forum and relatively quick turn around with firmware updates/bug fixes. I can only hope at this point that the delay is due to thorough in house testing to ensure that this bug can indeed be rectified.

He did not believe replacing my pre-processor would help matters, nor did he react favorably to my suggestion of upgrading to the VP50 to test it out.

The VP50 is also reported to suffer from audio drop outs, albeit I don't experience this with my VP50 through my Linn AV processor, it could be that I'm enjoying a low jitter digital audio path.

Mark
:)

HDMI/HDCP is all very much a morass of worms at this time, and probably will get worse before it gets better as the specs change.
Never a truer word spoken... :mad:

Mark
:)

I recently received a new VP-30 with the ABT102D precision deinterlacing card and think I got a defective unit. I am using analog input/output only and I set the output to 720p via component to my projector for now.

I have both a DVD player and a HD cable box hooked up to the DVDO.

Here is what I found:

Using component input 1 or 2 for DVD player: Does not work at either 480i or 480p output from DVD player, I get a blue screen output from the VP-30.

Using component input from HD cable box: Does not work with either 480i or 480p input, but works fine with 720p or 1080i input.

Using the BNC input with DVD player: Works fine at 480p input (this input on VP-30 does not accept 480i).

Using the BNC input with HD: Works fine at 480p, 720p, or 1080i input.

Hope this helps - I was experiencing a similar issue as yourself.

480i via component 1 and 2 was not being passed (only 480p and higher). I opened up the cover and pressed in the ABT card and that resolved the issue.

Ironically before i pressed in the ABT card, the VP30 was reporting that the card was installed via its front panel and via the info screen.

Hello

I am trying to set the Auto Input Priority so that if more than one inputs are active, DVDO would display the one with the higher priority. I used the "Input Adjust" menu to set the "Auto Priority" for my inputs and then selected "Auto" from the "Input Select" menu.

If the device with priority 1 is powered-up, then (as expected) I see the output on screen from this device. If the device with priority 1 is off (standby mode) and devices with any other priority (2-12) are on then I only see a blue screen.

I am using Oppo 970 DVD player and a Dish Network's sattelite receiver. I tried setting Oppo to priority 1 and Dish Receiver to 2 and vice versa. Same result in both cases.

It seems to me that the video output is still active, when the device is in standby mode. I confirmed this, by putting device one in standby and then removing the video cable. The moment I removed the video cable, DVDO would display the ouptut of the next device that is powered-up.

I can see the output properly, if I manually select the input (HDMI-1 for Oppo and S-Video-1 fro Dish Receiver) I have firmware 1.10 installed on this unit.

Any way to resolve this?

I never could get the auto-priority to work on the VP30. That was a large part of my reason for returning it.
Warren.

Just an update for the group - I've been living with the audio drops since I purchased the VP30 last spring. I rang ABT today to ask if I could get a replacement VP30 or if they had any suggestions as to how to correct my continual (and seemingly getting worse) audio drops. The person on the phone was quite apologetic but could only confirm that they were aware of the issue and working on a patch. He could not confirm a delivery date for either the production or beta patch, but repeatedly stated they expect it 'soon'. He did not believe replacing my pre-processor would help matters, nor did he react favorably to my suggestion of upgrading to the VP50 to test it out.

Thus, no real news on any progress but I'm hoping I either keep someone from spending time on hold calling their support or instigating more people to phone them.

It is fairly embarrasing to have friends and the significant other comment about the audio drops when I host movie or game nights. I am also disappointed by DVDO's apparent disregard for our community, as that support was a significant factor in my purchasing decision. :(


I won't even get started on how ticked I am over the drop-outs and their failure to address them. At least you got them to "admit" it, however, I have yet to get that response.

And I am assuming (yes, I know what that can get me into, but I think odds are on my side on this one) that, since the audio drop-outs are getting fixed, the "free software update" for 1080p pass-through won't ever appear either.

I know I will never buy another product from them- this service (or lack there-of) is absolutely absurd.

I am using the VP30 for video processing (which can introduce a delay) and the audio should get delayed appropriately. The occasional drops are what I'm starting to live with.


In all fairness, is it right for us to have to "live with" these problems on a $2000.00 piece of equipment? (If you want to call it that...piece of **** seems to fit just as well at this point)

It seems everyone is having to use "work-arounds" to get their DVDO products to work properly.

I am as laid back as it gets, but when is enough "enough" and we do something about it? The VP-30 is still being advertised on the DVDO website as performing in a way that it simply cannot- including "free software update for 1080p pass-through". How many people are still shelling out 2k for one of these when they simply don't work as promised?

To all those complaining. Stop complaining and take a real position. Return the unit neglecting warranty assertaitons, etc. and demand your money back or take them to small claims court. Do not care about the length of time. The unit "never worked" correctly and there were "promises of repair" which never materialized. If they do not give you your money take them to small claims court. Your position is that the unit does not work. The mercantability provision of the general commercial code should be on your side. There is a good chance you might win. Be sure to report progress here.

To all those wondering, we will have a public beta release for the VP20 and VP30 in mid-March which incorporates all of the enhancements made in VP50/v1.01 in respect to audio.

Sounds good Josh!

To all those wondering, we will have a public beta release for the VP20 and VP30 in mid-March which incorporates all of the enhancements made in VP50/v1.01 in respect to audio.

Hey Josh, will that beta have a slightly improved tuning of the fixes from 1.01? I'm sure after all the waiting the VP20/30 owners deserve a mark 2 audio fix (no drop outs and less hiccups?).

Josh,

Will the VP30+ABT card be able to intake 1080P with HDMI and then pass it through HDMI to projector?

Thanks,
Arttu

Welcome back Josh, You have been missed. Please stick around this time.

To all those complaining. [...] take them [DVDO] to small claims court. [...] There is a good chance you might win.
To all those wondering, we will have a public beta release for the VP20 and VP30 in mid-March which incorporates all of the enhancements made in VP50/v1.01 in respect to audio.
Wow! Congratulations Barry, you are the first one to get DVDO to talk after many months, must have something to do with your advice :)

Josh crafts his posting very carefully; after buying a minimum of six weeks of time, we are informed that (only) the audio enhancements of the VP50 beta will be offered to all of us (complaining) wonderers. I wonder if Josh is not simply telling us -as other posters already indicated- that DVDO has no interest in supporting the VP line any more?

I'm installing a VP30 to connect to an NEC o/h projector that has an HD15 RGB YCbCr input. The cable I am using now (between A/V receiver and projector) is component-to-HD15. Can I use a simple RCA-to-BNC adapter to make the connection to the VP30 analog output, or do I have to pull a 5 BNC-to-HD15 cable?

Can I use a simple RCA-to-BNC adapter to make the connection to the VP30 analog output,

Yes. Just make sure the VP30 is set to output YCbCr.

I wonder if Josh is not simply telling us -as other posters already indicated- that DVDO has no interest in supporting the VP line any more?

Just to be perfectly clear, the VP line of products are our current product offerings and as such we have no plans to discontinue supporting these products.

Josh crafts his posting very carefully; after buying a minimum of six weeks of time, we are informed that (only) the audio enhancements of the VP50 beta will be offered to all of us (complaining) wonderers.

Other than passthrough for the VP20 and VP30, what were you expecting?

Wow! Congratulations Barry, you are the first one to get DVDO to talk after many months, must have something to do with your advice :)


Me posting has nothing to do with Barry's post...

Other than passthrough for the VP20 and VP30, what were you expecting?


Is there an expected date for this?

Thanks.

Other than passthrough for the VP20 and VP30, what were you expecting?
Josh, thanks for responding, it is appreciated. To be honest I tried to forget the other problems in order to justify my spendings on the VP30 :) , so I have to rework the threads to summarize.

But without kidding, as of this moment I recall: 1. Discrete IR codes not working after some time, 2. Inbuilt test image not working correctly on 852x480 screen (posted (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7964518&&#post7964518) and confirmed, see below), 3. Complex problem with unsharp image using HDMI input (posted (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8421491&&#post8421491) and mailed), 4. Auto priorities not working correctly with HDMI. 5. Gamma control was deemed to be working incorrectly above a certain value, according to DVDO, 6 Passthrough you mentioned yourself, and 7. Audio bug (just to make the list complete). I'm sure other posters can chime in.

Most issues where reported with fw 1.07 of 1.08 or older, but I made reproductions myself with fw 1.10 for issues #1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. Issues #5 and 6 I cannot test.

For item #3 We have verified that with some output resolutions (using analog output) the 'Vertical Lines' test pattern is not being displayed correctly. We will correct this as soon as possible.

Other than passthrough for the VP20 and VP30, what were you expecting?

Are grayscale controls, as mentioned in this review (http://www.dvdo.com/new/AVRevVP30review_Sep2006.pdf) going to be introduced to the VP30 along with the 1080i passthrough and audio fix?

Are grayscale controls, as mentioned in this review (http://www.dvdo.com/new/AVRevVP30review_Sep2006.pdf) going to be introduced to the VP30 along with the 1080i passthrough and audio fix?
Gamma control has been added already, in fw 1.10 I believe (but it is not yet confirmed to be working properly, see my post above).

We have verified that with some output resolutions (using analog output) the 'Vertical Lines' test pattern is not being displayed correctly. We will correct this as soon as possible.[...] Is this problem [loss of horizontal resolution] only associated with the test pattern(s), as your post suggest, or is there indeed -as some posters indicate- also a problem with the processed (e.g. dvd) signal?[...] is this just a test pattern issue, or could this be the clue to the "soft" image some of us are seeing post 1.07 - seems a bit of a co-incidence that test pattern and image issues appeared at the same time. I've been forwards and backwards between 1.07 and 1.08 and there's certainly a big difference in image quality.Josh,

This post concludes my listing of pending issues you asked for. I think it is clear that there are two seperate problems. The citation from peteS could point to the same issue as my (later) reproduction (here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8421491&&#post8421491)). This second "loss of horizontal resolution" has not been confirmed. Please note that I reproduced it with fw 1.10 and HDMI output, so it's not restricted to analog out.

Yesterday, I installed ABT102D deinterlacing card in my VP30 scaler. I can now see "DVDO VP30/ABT102 v1.10" when I press Info button and there are couple new options enabled under the Deinterlacing menu.

The picture quality looks still the same to me. Is there any other way to confirm that the deinterlacing card installed correctly and the scaler is using this card for deinterlacing?

Regards

inbox4sumit - Have you tried viewing the included VRS DVD?

I did try VRS Reference DVD. (Saw your name in the credits)

Can you give me some pointers/info about the patterns that I should use? I couldn't find any information on how to use the test patterns in that DVD to calibrate my display.

Regards

First, the test patterns that are built-in to the iScan VP30 are to be used to adjust the settings on your display (not the iScan or source). After the display has been set up properly, use the half test patterns that are built-in to the iScan in conjunction with the matching test patterns on the VRS DVD (Static Test Patterns -> Half Patterns). Once your display is set up, you can use the VRS DVD to evaluate the quality of the deinterlacing in your source, display and iScan. To evaluate the deinterlacing of your DVD player, set the output (on the HDMI or component output) to output 480p. Now play the test patterns from the Source Adaptive section (Motion Patterns->Source Adaptive). On most of the cadences, you should see a dramatic loss of resolution. Now if you switch the DVD player back to 480i output, these issues should be resolved (pun intended). If you would like to evalaute the quality of deinterlacing in your display, you will need to take the iScan out of the loop and connect the DVD player straight to the display (with the output still set to 480i). To assess the quality improvement that the ABT102 brought to your VP30, you will need to compare the quality with and without the ABT102 installed. The easiest way to see the improvement is to use a progressive scan DVD player.

A complete description of the contents of this DVD are on the first post of this thread. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Josh,
Thanks for your help. I'll try it with Oppo 970 at 480i and 480p.

Since I can see "DVDO VP30/ABT" when I press Info and the new options (previously grayed out) under the Deinterlacing menu, is it safe to assume that ABT102D installed properly? Is there any other way to verify it?

Regards

Josh,

And if it hasn't been said enough already, thanks for "redeploying" back here to the VP30 thread @ AVS. You just being here and commenting on the upcoming VP20/30 update has really helped put my mind at ease.

Thanks again!

-John

If all of the deinterlacing options are available and the Info screen says "VP30/ABT102", the ABT102 is installed correctly.

I'll try it with Oppo 970 at 480i and 480p.
You need to set Oppo 970 to 480i.

If you feed VP30+ABT102 480p signal it will bypass the ABT102 and simply scale the picture.

Fingers crossed here that March firmware update brings either PReP or 480i/576i EDID tweak to VP30+AB102 too.

It would be a good move if DVD players that only offer 480p/576p over HDMI could take advantage of ABT102's deinterlacing in VP30 (similarly satellite/cable set-to-boxes that are limited to 480p/576p output too) as they can with VP50.

StooMonster

I can't see any improvement using PREP. Does anyone see any improvement?

I hope the update for the audio does more for the VP30 than it did for me on the VP50. I know lots of people post saying it improved it for them, but it pretty much broke mine regarding using audio.

Its a constant dropout using a HR10-250 Directivo and the HR20-700 also. Both drop or blip about every 5-30 seconds on average. It doesn't hardly drop audio at all from a HTPC, but it didn't do it much before the last update on the DVR's either.

I can see a improvement with PREP from my HTPC using 480P out, and I wasn't expecting too.

Stoo,

I strongly doubt that they'll add PReP to VP30, if only for the technical advantage that it gives the VP50 over the VP30 (it makes bad business sense to do that). I hope they add it, but no one has announced any such plans, not even in an unofficial capacity.

I do notice improvements in PReP.

Playing my PAL torture test through the OPPO 970 or 981, there are some combings. Using PReP, it is almost 100% gone. I did not notice any bad artifacts with PReP, only a reduction in the number of cases I get combing from an already deinterlaced source.

I strongly doubt that they'll add PReP to VP30, if only for the technical advantage that it gives the VP50 over the VP30 (it makes bad business sense to do that). I hope they add it, but no one has announced any such plans, not even in an unofficial capacity.
I am strongly skeptical too, I doubt the FPGA has space, and it is a strong technical feature to drive customers to the VP50.

However, I think it makes business sense to add 480i/576i EDID tweak though -- which should take barely any space in FPGA -- as many SD devices provide 480p/576p over HDMI as a default which renders the deinterlacer chip (either ABT102 or SiI504) redundant.

Ability get acquire 480i/576i over HDMI is the reason Lumagen and Calibre offer this very feature -- what's the point in a deinterlacer if it hasn't got a signal to deinterlace?

StooMonster

Josh

Will the new firmware support interlaced signals on the RGBHV and component BNC inputs?

This feature was originally in the specification on the website (since removed) and I was advised by Aaron Smith in June 2006 that it would be done as part of a future firmware upgrade

There are no plans to add the ability to accept 480i and 576i on the BNC inputs. This was a misprint that was quickly corrected.

Is the auto input switching fixed for HDMI sources?
Any plans to have dual HDMI outputs on a future product? A growing number of us have HDMI projectors and HDMI TV's.
Thanks,
Warren.

Is the auto input switching fixed for HDMI sources?
Any plans to have dual HDMI outputs on a future product? A growing number of us have HDMI projectors and HDMI TV's.
Although auto input switching is on the (well, at least on my:)) list of pending issues, one user has reported that one of his devices "keep sync on the HDMI bus" when in standby mode, as confirmed by Oppo for his 970. If DVDO uses this sync to check if an input is active, then it is understandable that auto input switching behaves differently than you would expect. Also one could then argue that this issue is not (entirely) DVDO's problem. If all this is correct, would it be possible not to check for sync on HDMI but to something else on the HDMI bus to in order to discriminate between standby and active signal? Of course this could be tricky if the VPxx has to be fired up completely to analyze stuff, we don't want to loose auto-standby in this age of the global warming ;)

Will the new firmware support interlaced signals on the RGBHV and component BNC inputs?

This feature was originally in the specification on the website (since removed) and I was advised by Aaron Smith in June 2006 that it would be done as part of a future firmware upgradeInput channels of the VP30 are either into a Philips chip (SAA7118 or so) or into HDMI. The Philips chip has room for the 2 composite, 2 S-Video and two RGB(s) or YUV inputs and a little more, but not for another RGBHV input. It seems this RGBHV enters the signal path differently than all the other analog inputs. I would guess it is impossible by hardware to input interlaced signals via RGBHV..

Josh,
It has been said many times prior to this post, but I would like to take the moment to publicly thank you for your recent response. I have hoped to keep my past posts regarding my issues vitrol free, and respect the responsibility you have when visiting this forum. I sincerely hope that the wait has been worth it - this series of video processors fits a niche for many people here but I've been loath to recommend a similar unit to friends due to the audio issue.

Thanks again to you and your managers for your continued participation in these forums. I will indeed be beta testing upon the application's release.

Best regards.

Input channels of the VP30 are either into a Philips chip (SAA7118 or so) or into HDMI. The Philips chip has room for the 2 composite, 2 S-Video and two RGB(s) or YUV inputs and a little more, but not for another RGBHV input. It seems this RGBHV enters the signal path differently than all the other analog inputs. I would guess it is impossible by hardware to input interlaced signals via RGBHV..I don't believe that's the case - i.e., that the hardware for the BNC-connector input path is incapable of dealing with interlaced SD signals. The VP30 uses an Analog Devices ADV7402 video decoder for analog HD signals (both RCA and BNC inputs). This device is capable of decoding both SD and HD signals, including NTSC, PAL and SECAM, as well as Y/C and component formats. (I think the VP50 uses the newer ADV7403 chip.)

There may be some other reason why the BNC input is limited to not handle interlaced SD signals, but it's not because the hardware can't do it. I suspect (but don't know for sure) that it's simply because there's no software driver to support interlaced SD with this input. However, I wasn't heavily involved with the VP30 development, so there may be another more obscure reason why this wasn't done.

- Dale Adams

There are no plans to add the ability to accept 480i and 576i on the BNC inputs. This was a misprint that was quickly corrected.

That is disappointing Josh, especially as I have had quite a few emails from Aaron saying first that it was imminent (in June) and then that it was still planned

Any Europeans here that could help me?

I have a new digital cable decoder/PVR. This only has SCART (w/RGB) output, and I use a SCART --> 4RCA cable to hook the PVR to the VP30, and the picture is nice - everything works.

However - the widescreen info seems to not transfer across this connection. Either that, or I'm doing something wrong, which is why I'm asking.

When a program is sent in 16:9, it's OK. But when the program is 4:3, the image is stretched to fill the screen. According to other people with the same PVR but hooking it up via normal SCART cable, they get the correct aspect ratio when the program is 4:3; in other words, they get black bars on the sides. I don't.

So - is there anything I can do in the VP30 menus to fix this? I've tried the various Aspect ratio settings for input and output, but I'm more confused than anything. When the program is 4:3 and I try the various 4:3 settings the image is just zoomed in or out and/or black bars are put over the content etc.

Nothing I do seems to give me correct aspect for 4:3, with black bars.

Is this caused by something I'm doing wrong in the VP30 menus, or is it something I'll have to live with as long as the connection is SCART --> 4 RCA (RGB+Sync) ?

As for the TV itself, it's a 50" Sony 3LCD rear projection unit. I've hooked it up to the VP30 via HDMI --> HDMI. The only aspect ratio setting I can change in this TVs menu then, is "Auto Format On or Off" and "Screen format". But it doesn't seem to make any difference which Auto Format I choose (On or Off). "Screen format" is WIDE, and I can't change that (automatically set to WIDE when using HDMI input and no other options are available).


(weird thing is that stretching 4:3 to fit the screen was my favored setting before, but then I had a smaller screen and it was a plasma, so I guess it was partly because of fear of burn-in and that I felt the image got too small with the black bars. Now I'd like the black bars and correct aspect)

Any Europeans here that could help me?

When a program is sent in 16:9, it's OK. But when the program is 4:3, the image is stretched to fill the screen. According to other people with the same PVR but hooking it up via normal SCART cable, they get the correct aspect ratio when the program is 4:3; in other words, they get black bars on the sides. I don't.

So - is there anything I can do in the VP30 menus to fix this? I've tried the various Aspect ratio settings for input and output, but I'm more confused than anything. When the program is 4:3 and I try the various 4:3 settings the image is just zoomed in or out and/or black bars are put over the content etc.
I am European, but I'm not sure if I can help you ;) In Europe the FAR 4:3 or 16:9 is normally toggled by some pin on the SCART connector. The VP does not have an input to swicht automatically, so you have to change it yourself on the VP30 (but some people made a device that listens to this pin and then toggle the FAR on the VP30 using the serial port, see avforums.com). The VP has two buttons to change FAR: 4:3 and 16:9. If you have set your screen aspect ratio OK, then this should work. The VP30 is very flexible in this area.

Wondering if anyone is running an Windows Media Center video output (whether component or VGA) into a DVDO scaler?

I've noticed that DVD playback from my MCE box looks ... well, crappy. Don't know if it's the deinterlacer, scaler or what ... but it's full of artifacts (e.g., jaggies and other deinterlacing artifacts), particularly on fast-motion scenes.

Wondering whether an external scaler (which I've been thinking of adding anyway) would help this at all. Then again, if MCE is outputting at 720p, then presumably the DVD output would already be deinterlaced/scaled, and it may be a case of garbage in/garbage out :(

netarc,

please use the dedicated thread you opened. There's no point discussing the issue on two separate threads.

Does any one know when the next firmware update for the VP30 will be? We are still having issues with audio. For some reason, we lose audio from multiple sources, wether it be the Denon DVD-1920 or the Motorola DCT 6412 III cable box, both on HDMI. All connections are HDMI. From the DVD to DVDO, Cable to DVDO, and DVDO to projector, audio is optical out from DVDO to a Denon AVR 3806. This is a really frustrating situation and has been for over a year through four firmware upgrades. The only way to bandaid this problem is to remove the power plug from the DVDO, wait a few seconds and then plug it back in. Video still comes out, but no audio. Current firmware is version 1.10.

I've been dealing with HDCP issues with the VP30/50 and Benq PE7700 projector ever since the VP30 was available. When I start up my system, sometimes I get blank screen (with audio) and the VP50 will not output any video despite the solid blue light on the VP50 front panel. This also happens sometimes when I change inputs on the VP50. The frustrating part is that this is not repeatable, sometime I get video, sometimes I don't. The problem is usuallly resolved by power cycling the VP50.

Well, I noticed something that was very peculiar. I was watching the movie Alexander (Oliver Stone) on DVD via component video fed into the VP50. There is a scene at the beginning (and at the end) where a ring is dropped to the floor. When the ring hits the floor, there is a bright flash. At that instance, my screen flickers and then my Benq displays just video noise (snow). The "screen of snow" flickers about every second. I have to cycle the power on the VP50 to restore the video. The strange thing is that this was repeatable during that viewing session. Everytime I would rewind to that scene, I get the "screen of snow". Note that my VP displays a constant blue light with the "screen of snow".

Well, the next day I want to recreate this problem and this time, my system played the screne without any problem, no flicker, no snow. Huh?

Can anyone explaining why content from a DVD (via component video) could trigger a HDCP event to get the "screen of snow" and why it happened during one viewing session and not another?

Sincerely,
snooktarpon

I've been dealing with HDCP issues with the VP30/50 and Benq PE7700 projector ever since the VP30 was available. When I start up my system, sometimes I get blank screen (with audio) and the VP50 will not output any video despite the solid blue light on the VP50 front panel.

Same happens to me (blue light/audio/blank screen), but with VP30 and BenQ PE8720. Normal operation is restored with power recycle, which is no big deal for me.

If Josh at DVDO is monitoring this thread, it would be nice if the de-interlacing mode in use could be incorporated into the 'info" screen via the next VP firmware update. For example, DI AUTO/FILM or DI MANUAL/GAME1 etc. The VP is fundamentally a de-interlacing machine so it would be nice to know what mode it is operating in, particularly with auto selected (whether it is seeing film or video based source material).

Josh at DVDO said in a posting on 1/29 that the software update would be available in March (I am assuming he means this March). So far so good for me -- no audio drops from 3 sources (HDTV, HD-DVD, DVD) but none of them are HDMI connections; audio link to the receiver is optical to an Onkyo 702.

While I can't comment on when it might be available, I have been testing an update for the VP30. It has certainly reduced the number of audio drop outs. I can not be certain it has fixed them all since I've only been running it for a week, but it I do not remember a drop out in CSI (which is where I usually see them). The update seems stable too. I hope they release it soon.

I do not work for Anchor Bay and I am not associated with them other than owning a VP30.

The software that Mark is referring to, v1.11 for the VP30 (and v1.02 for the VP20), should be available on our website by Wednesday(yes, February 21st). These versions integrate the audio improvements that were made in the VP50 in v1.01, while forthcoming versions will have the discrete IR fix and passthrough. The forthcoming version will be delivered by mid-March.

Josh Allen, just wanted to let you know I appreciate your updates. Thanks. :)

This is excellent news Josh, thanks very much!

Finally! Thank you very much.

The Beta VP30 software will be on the website tomorrow and I will post here when it goes live.

Awesome! Glad I hung around.

It appears that the update is out. If you go here (http://www.anchorbaytech.com/support/software_downloads/vp.php) you can download it.

The full list of corrections is as follows:


Fixed intermittent audio drop-outs due to sources with high-jitter (completely new audio logic).
Added HDMI Output Audio Mute routine to avoid “pops” and noise bursts while audio format is being determined.
Changed HDMI output configuration routine to remove potential of audio output lock-up in the HDMI transmitter under certain conditions.

Downloaded the beta f/w. Will try it when I get home. I got a chuckle when the questionaire asked this question:
What feature would you like added to the VP50?
But I don't own a VP50. ;)

Anyway these are the hashes I generated from the .abt file. Would like to verify with someone that I didn't get a corrupted download.

MD5: 968F8C7FD5BBEEA86C487299E033ECCC
SHA1: F61F2A6AD26E1B630F15358049C2A46C038AAECA
CRC-32: 5C0929F2

Downloaded the beta f/w. Will try it when I get home. I got a chuckle when the questionaire asked this question:

But I don't own a VP50. ;)

Anyway these are the hashes I generated from the .abt file. Would like to verify with someone that I didn't get a corrupted download.

MD5: 968F8C7FD5BBEEA86C487299E033ECCC
SHA1: F61F2A6AD26E1B630F15358049C2A46C038AAECA
CRC-32: 5C0929F2


MD5 match 968f8c7fd5bbeea86c487299e033eccc

It appears that the update is out. If you go here (http://www.anchorbaytech.com/support/software_downloads/vp.php) you can download it.

The full list of corrections is as follows:


Fixed intermittent audio drop-outs due to sources with high-jitter (completely new audio logic).
Added HDMI Output Audio Mute routine to avoid “pops” and noise bursts while audio format is being determined.
Changed HDMI output configuration routine to remove potential of audio output lock-up in the HDMI transmitter under certain conditions.


Thanks for passing on the news!

Upload was successful. Testing on first DVD now will report back in a while.

For Josh at DVDO. For those of us who are reluctant to load a public beta firmware update to their VP, for how long do you anticipate trialling the beta VP30-1.11 before releasing it as the production version?

My VP does not have any audio issues, but I'd still like to be running the latest production FW.

We plan on a minimum of 1 week of public Beta testing with this release, but this could be as long as 3 weeks. I will be able to give a more definitive estimate on when the production release will be available.

Upload was successful. Testing on first DVD now will report back in a while.

So far it's a winner, no audio dropouts at all on the first DVD tested. Typically I would experience 3 to 4 dropouts on any given DVD. I haven't done any PQ testing against the previous version, I'm just focusing on audio at the moment.

Jeff

So far it's a winner, no audio dropouts at all on the first DVD tested. Typically I would experience 3 to 4 dropouts on any given DVD. I haven't done any PQ testing against the previous version, I'm just focusing on audio at the moment.

Jeff,

How is the DVD player connected to the VP30? If not HDMI, how are you sending the audio?

First let me say that the 1.11 public beta release is a big improvement compared to the current 1.10 production release. I've been running the 1.11 release for nearly two weeks now. This started as private beta test firmware which has become public yesterday (identical software). In about 20 hours of DVD viewing time I have not had a single audio dropout using an Oppo 970 with HDMI input.

In my system there is however a small video issue that is new with 1.11. I would like to report it here to enable others to reproduce the issue. It could also be a condition of my VP30. After loading the 1.11 release, I noticed 1.5 missing scanlines at the top of the image. Because only the audio in the new firmware is changed, I was surprised and reverted back to 1.10 to be sure. Indeed, the missing scanlines were back. Moving tot 1.11 and the scanlines were gone again.

This was tested with:
* 852x480 on Panasonic plasma PW6
* full reset of VP30 after FW loads
* Oppo 970 HDMI input (component input was no problem )
* a PAL DVD with a Dutch TV series (problem appears only when playing, not in still mode)
* could not be reproduced with ABT NTSC test disk of Getgray PAL/NTSC testdisks
* PAL locked @ 50Hz

Please see the attachment (only a half missing scanline can be seen, the complete missing line cannot be seen due to poor contrast on image). After more testing the issue did not occur with all DVD's. I tested about 10 PAL DVD's, and with 6 of them I had this issue. I tested 2 NTSC DVD's and did not find a problem.

Jeff,

How is the DVD player connected to the VP30? If not HDMI, how are you sending the audio?

It's a Oppo970 connected via HDMI.

However, I think it makes business sense to add 480i/576i EDID tweak though -- which should take barely any space in FPGA -- as many SD devices provide 480p/576p over HDMI as a default which renders the deinterlacer chip (either ABT102 or SiI504) redundant.

StooMonster

Could someone enlighten me wrt EDID tweak?
Did a quick google search, but the basics behind it evaded me?

I'm understanding it is something that will trick the source to output 480i/576i on HDMI? It would surely be something to have if it works.

And, also thank you DVDO for finally releasing an update for the Vp30. I feel like I have checked for an update for ages now...
And then a "promise" for 1080p passthru. Are we finally getting the full deal?
A happy day... indeed... :)

M.

EDID tweak works on a number of devices that for (SD) only output 480p/576p over HDMI.

The EDID of video processor / display should be set to say that it does not accept 480p/576p but it does accept 480i/576i -- as if set to say accepts both the devices usually only send the "p" version, if the device reads that it can only send 480i/576i then it sends that instead.

I discovered this by messing about with Lumagen scalers (which lets you edit EDID table) and some 480p/576p devices. Lumagen have subsequently set this as the default on their scalers, so as to always get the raw "i" signal, and Calibre also use it.

Caveat is that it doesn't work on all 480p/576p devices, but does work on many.

StooMonster

Every time I click on the new release link I get directed to the dvdo home page. Is there a trick to downloading the new software for the vp30? Thanks.

Every time I click on the new release link I get directed to the dvdo home page. Is there a trick to downloading the new software for the vp30? Thanks.

This happened to me also. You need to put at least a name and e-mail address in the form right before the download page.

did that several times.

yohjo,

Check your PM.

The spreadsheet file that helps one write down their settings seems to be no longer available in the new site. Did anyone save a copy of it? :(

excellent news of the update!

Installed the new firmware and changed both my DirecTV HR20 and my Oppo 970 to use HDMI audio (were using digital or coax audio) and both seem to working fine. Watched 3 hours of DVD last night with no drops. Also, a problematic disk in the oppo seem to give clean audio now. We were having consistent audio issue with disks with the Oppo. It will take awhile with the HR20 to see if the channel changing audio lockup is fixed. First impressions is that my wife and I are happy. I will report more Later.

Installled the new firmware Thursday evening. We've watched a couple of DVDs and a couple of hours of HD programming off Dish network. DVD player is Oppo 970 connected to VP30 via HDMI, Dish receiver is connected to VP30 using component - HDMI from dish receiver has never worked with any display or processor.

All was fine - NO audio drop outs.

However, after watching a DVD last night, I switched to the Dish and the video was frozen. Checked the Dish receiver using another TV and it was OK. Reset Dish receiver anyway - no change. Disconnected and reconnected power to VP30 - no change. Finally, while scanning through the menus, I discovered that split test patterns (1/2 test pattern, other half video) worked fine.

This never happened before. Any suggestions (its still frozen)? I may need to reinstall v1.10 firmware and start over.

Andy64 - Have you tried any other analog video inputs to see if this issue is isolated to the component inputs? What happens if you connect the DVD player to the component input?

Audio is working _excellent_ with this firmware. I am a very happy camper right now.

This problem must have been a royal pain to fix. Thank you DVDO for persevering.

Josh,

Sorry I wasn't very methodic. I just took another look and what happens is,

If I have the VP30 output at 24, 48, or 72 frames per second it locks up when fed a 1080i signal - at least it does when fed using component input - can't check it using HDMI - yet.

I don't know if that changed with the firmware version or not.

Well, it looks like it's my turn in the barrel. I installed 1.11 yesterday and played with it last night for a few hours. I'm now getting way more dropouts than I had with 1.07; at one point I was getting dropouts about 90-120 seconds apart, although it came and went. Not quite sure what to do at this point, other than tell DVDO about it...

-What of the reported loss of resolution (or PQ anyway) beginning with 1.08 (I think) and onward? Has that been addressed? Or is that problem just an "urban legend"?

Well, it looks like it's my turn in the barrel. I installed 1.11 yesterday and played with it last night for a few hours. I'm now getting way more dropouts than I had with 1.07; at one point I was getting dropouts about 90-120 seconds apart, although it came and went. Not quite sure what to do at this point, other than tell DVDO about it...

Is this happening with all of your sources? what kind of connections are you using between your sources and iScan and between your iScan and receiver?

-What of the reported loss of resolution (or PQ anyway) beginning with 1.08 (I think) and onward? Has that been addressed? Or is that problem just an "urban legend"?Well, in that case I must be the "urban legend" :(
Anyhow, I reported two problems a long time ago, one of them confirmed by DVDO. See my post a few pages back just after Josh started posting again. The confirmed issue may only have to do with the inbuilt test patterns, according to DVDO. The other is not confirmed but I can still reproduce it with all VP30 firmware's since 1.08 or so with all Oppo 970 firmware's (hdmi) and for example the GetGray test disk. If anyone is interested I can post pictures. Detailed reproduction was send to DVDO, you can also find it in the thread. Just search for my postings. My initial report was with an Oppo 1A-0613 beta firmware, I did not post before that the issue is the same with all Oppo production firmware's, like 4A-0111.

My initial report was with an Oppo 1A-0631 beta firmware, I did not post that the issue was the the same with Oppo production firmware's, like 4A-0111.

So is the issue the same, regardless of firmware loaded in the Oppo?

So is the issue the same, regardless of firmware loaded in the Oppo?Yes, I tested 3A-0916 and 4A-0111.

Is this happening with all of your sources? what kind of connections are you using between your sources and iScan and between your iScan and receiver?

I was only using DVD, S/PDIF from a SDI RP91, to a Lexicon DC-1 via S/PDIF, as well.

As for the rumors of degradation of picture quality, I didn't see any difference, but I wasn't watching hi-def. Otherwise, it looked fine.

Anybody know how much audio delay a SDI 480i signal needs when scaled to 1280x720? I think I'm going to try bypassing the VP's audio for now, although IIRC years ago I did this with a Iscan HD when they had dropout problems (eventually fixed) and always felt lip sync drifted.

So far so good with the 1.11b upgrade -- no dropouts on any source I've tested.

One interesting thing is that after the upgrade my settings were still intact. I'd taken the time to write everything down, but nothing was erased during the upgrade, which was odd but welcome. The info screen does show VP30/ABT102 v1.11b, so it appears to have taken.

Josh, you guys doing something different with the upgrade process now?

-John

Just upgraded to v1.11b. Haven't had a lot of time to test the audio functions. But I did notice that I can not upscale to 1080P anymore, get an error of "Frequency of input signal is out of range". Never had the problem before, was always able to view a 1080P signal on our JVC DLA-HD2K. Connections are: Motorola DCT6412 III to VP30 over HDMI, Denon DVD-1920 to VP30 over HDMI, VP30 to JVC DLA-HD2K over HDMI, VP30 to Denon AVR 3806 over Toslink. Confused and frustrated.

Did you select 1080p-50 or 1080p-60 as an output format?

The HD2K is not capable of syncing to 50Hz unless you change a setting on it, but I believe the default settings are to accept 1080p-60.